81 FR 63367 - Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 179 (September 15, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. 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. This AD requires 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; re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors; and modifying the overhead stowage compartments. 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.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 179 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63367-63370]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21292]


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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; 
Amendment 39-18645; AD 2016-18-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model 
ATR72-212A airplanes. 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. This 
AD requires 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; re-installing or repairing, as 
applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors; and modifying the 
overhead stowage compartments. 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.

DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 20, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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-

[[Page 63368]]

1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0077.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 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 SNPRM published in the Federal Register on 
May 12, 2016 (81 FR 29511) (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal 
Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3531) (``the NPRM''). 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 SNPRM 
proposed to add requirements 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. 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.
    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 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.

Comments

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

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

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 
repairing the Type III Emergency Exit doors.
     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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product 
to

[[Page 63369]]

comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $1,360, or $340, or per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
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 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 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. 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.

Adoption of 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-18-14 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-18645; Docket No. FAA-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
254-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 20, 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 numbers (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 having 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).

[[Page 63370]]

(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.

(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.
    (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

    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.

(m) 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) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 2013.
    (ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 
2014.
    (iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 
2014.
    (iv) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013.
    (v) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 2014.
    (vi) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 
2014.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21292 Filed 9-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P