83_FR_13497 83 FR 13436 - Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

83 FR 13436 - Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 61 (March 29, 2018)

Page Range13436-13438
FR Document2018-06270

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in main landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for cracks, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13436-13438]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06270]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-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).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). This proposed AD would 
require repetitive detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for 
cracks, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also 
provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2018.

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: Deliver to mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Safran 
Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral 
Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; phone: 
+33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: www.safran-landing-systems.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0167; 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 NPRM, 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: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

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-2018-0167; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

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 2017-0172, dated September 7, 2017 (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 Model ATR72 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    Occurences were reported of finding cracked universal joints (U-
joints) Part Number (P/N) D56805, P/N D56805-2, P/N D61036 and P/N 
D62050. Subsequent investigation identified a batch of affected U-
joints which were subjected to a possible non-detected thermal abuse 
done during the grinding process by the U-joint manufacturer in 
production, or by a maintenance organization during overhaul and/or 
repair.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAFRAN Landing 
Systems (SLS), published Service Bulletin (SB) 631-32-249 for MLGs 
fitted on ATR42-200, ATR42-300 and ATR42-320; SB 631-32-250 for MLGs 
fitted on ATR42-400 and ATR42-500; and SB 631-32-251 for MLGs fitted 
on ATR72 (all models), to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVI) of the affected U-
joints for cracks, and, depending on findings, replacement with a 
serviceable part [and provides an optional terminating action].

    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-2018-
0167.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Safran Landing Systems has issued Service Bulletin 631-32-249, 
Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, Revision 1, 
dated June 26, 2017. The service information describes procedures for 
detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for cracking, and 
replacement if necessary. These documents are distinct since they apply 
to different airplane models. 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.

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

[[Page 13437]]

develop on other products of these same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 62 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Cost on  U.S.
          Action                 Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per  product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...............  1 work-hour x $85 per               $0  $85 per inspection      $5,270 per inspection
                            hour = $85 per                          cycle.                  cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $14,083         $14,763
                                                 $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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-2018-
0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 14, 2018.

(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, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking in MLG U-joints, which could lead 
to MLG structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected U-joint is any U-
joint identified by part number (P/N) and serial number in the 
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

[[Page 13438]]

    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 1, dated June 
26, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems 
Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is an 
affected U-joint, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
released to service by Safran Landing Systems, free of defect, with 
the letter ``V'' added on the part (on the identification plate, or 
in the vicinity of the P/N marking); or a new (never installed) U-
joint; or a U-joint repaired as specified in the applicable 
component maintenance manual (CMM) identified in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii).
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems CMM 32-18-28, Rev. 10 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-30, Rev. 8, both dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-45, Rev. 5 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-63, Rev. 6, 
both dated June 2, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-34, Rev. 9, dated 
June 2, 2017.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 3 months or 500 flight cycles (FC), whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 FC: Do a detailed inspection for damage 
or cracking of each affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any damaged or cracked U-joint is found, before further flight: 
Replace the U-joint of the affected MLG with a serviceable part, as 
defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this 
AD.

(j) Terminating Action

    Replacement on an airplane of all affected U-joints, as 
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, with serviceable parts, 
as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, unless it is a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD.

(l) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletins identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and 
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0172, dated September 7, 
2017, 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-2018-0167.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral 
Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; 
phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: www.safran-landing-systems.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 15, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06270 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 13436                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 at ports of entry in the continental                    Valérie André, 78140 VELIZY–                        ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes.
                                                 United States.                                          VILLACOUBLAY—FRANCE; phone:                           The MCAI states:
                                                   Done in Washington, DC, this 23rd day of              +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet:                         Occurences were reported of finding
                                                 March 2018.                                             www.safran-landing-systems.com. You                   cracked universal joints (U-joints) Part
                                                 Kevin Shea,                                             may view this service information at the              Number (P/N) D56805, P/N D56805–2, P/N
                                                 Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
                                                                                                         FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200                 D61036 and P/N D62050. Subsequent
                                                                                                         South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                  investigation identified a batch of affected U-
                                                 Inspection Service.
                                                                                                         information on the availability of this               joints which were subjected to a possible
                                                 [FR Doc. 2018–06288 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am]                                                                   non-detected thermal abuse done during the
                                                                                                         material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
                                                 BILLING CODE 3410–34–P                                                                                        grinding process by the U-joint manufacturer
                                                                                                         Examining the AD Docket                               in production, or by a maintenance
                                                                                                                                                               organization during overhaul and/or repair.
                                                                                                            You may examine the AD docket on                      This condition, if not detected and
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            the internet at http://                               corrected, could lead to MLG structural
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG,
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                     possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane
                                                                                                         0167; or in person at the Docket                      and injury to the occupants.
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          Management Facility between 9 a.m.                       To address this potential unsafe condition,
                                                                                                         and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    SAFRAN Landing Systems (SLS), published
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0167; Product                                                                            Service Bulletin (SB) 631–32–249 for MLGs
                                                 Identifier 2017–NM–131–AD]                              except Federal holidays. The AD docket                fitted on ATR42–200, ATR42–300 and
                                                                                                         contains this NPRM, the regulatory                    ATR42–320; SB 631–32–250 for MLGs fitted
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                         evaluation, any comments received, and                on ATR42–400 and ATR42–500; and SB 631–
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; ATR–GIE                       other information. The street address for             32–251 for MLGs fitted on ATR72 (all
                                                 Avions de Transport Régional                           the Docket Operations office (telephone               models), to provide inspection instructions.
                                                                                                         800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                        For the reasons described above, this
                                                 Airplanes                                                                                                     [EASA] AD requires repetitive detailed visual
                                                                                                         section. Comments will be available in
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                the AD docket shortly after receipt.                  inspections (DVI) of the affected U-joints for
                                                                                                                                                               cracks, and, depending on findings,
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      replacement with a serviceable part [and
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace                        provides an optional terminating action].
                                                 (NPRM).                                                 Engineer, International Section,                        You may examine the MCAI in the
                                                                                                         Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200                 AD docket on the internet at http://
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                    South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for all                                                                          www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                         telephone and fax 206–231–3220.                       and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                 ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Régional
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            0167.
                                                 Model ATR42 and Model ATR72
                                                 airplanes. This proposed AD was                         Comments Invited                                      Related Service Information Under 1
                                                 prompted by reports of cracking in main                                                                       CFR Part 51
                                                                                                            We invite you to send any written
                                                 landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-
                                                                                                         relevant data, views, or arguments about                 Safran Landing Systems has issued
                                                 joints). This proposed AD would require
                                                                                                         this proposed AD. Send your comments                  Service Bulletin 631–32–249, Revision
                                                 repetitive detailed inspections of the
                                                                                                         to an address listed under the                        1, dated June 26, 2017; Service Bulletin
                                                 affected U-joints for cracks, and
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.               631–32–250, Revision 1, dated June 26,
                                                 replacement if necessary. This proposed
                                                                                                         FAA–2018–0167; Product Identifier                     2017; and Service Bulletin 631–32–251,
                                                 AD would also provide an optional
                                                                                                         2017–NM–131–AD’’ at the beginning of                  Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017. The
                                                 terminating action for the repetitive
                                                                                                         your comments. We specifically invite                 service information describes
                                                 inspections. We are proposing this AD
                                                                                                         comments on the overall regulatory,                   procedures for detailed inspections of
                                                 to address the unsafe condition on these
                                                                                                         economic, environmental, and energy                   the affected U-joints for cracking, and
                                                 products.
                                                                                                         aspects of this NPRM. We will consider                replacement if necessary. These
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                      all comments received by the closing                  documents are distinct since they apply
                                                 this proposed AD by May 14, 2018.                       date and may amend this NPRM based                    to different airplane models. This
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       on those comments.                                    service information is reasonably
                                                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                       We will post all comments we                       available because the interested parties
                                                 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                receive, without change, to http://                   have access to it through their normal
                                                 methods:                                                www.regulations.gov, including any                    course of business or by the means
                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  personal information you provide. We                  identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  will also post a report summarizing each
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                   substantive verbal contact we receive                 FAA’s Determination and Requirements
                                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 about this NPRM.                                      of This Proposed AD
                                                    • Mail: U.S. Department of                                                                                   This product has been approved by
                                                 Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                   Discussion                                            the aviation authority of another
                                                 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                       The European Aviation Safety Agency                country, and is approved for operation
                                                 W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,                     (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  in the United States. Pursuant to our
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Washington, DC 20590.                                   for the Member States of the European                 bilateral agreement with the State of
                                                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to mail                     Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness                  Design Authority, we have been notified
                                                 address above between 9 a.m. and 5                      Directive 2017–0172, dated September                  of the unsafe condition described in the
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     7, 2017 (referred to after this as the                MCAI and service information
                                                 Federal holidays.                                       Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                    referenced above. We are proposing this
                                                    For service information identified in                Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct             AD because we evaluated all pertinent
                                                 this NPRM, contact Safran Landing                       an unsafe condition for all ATR–GIE                   information and determined an unsafe
                                                 Systems, Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue Général               Avions de Transport Régional Model                   condition exists and is likely to exist or


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:13 Mar 28, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM   29MRP1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                                13437

                                                 develop on other products of these same                      Costs of Compliance                                                We estimate the following costs to
                                                 type designs.                                                   We estimate that this proposed AD                             comply with this proposed AD:
                                                                                                              affects 62 airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                                                                                              ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                        Cost per                             Cost on
                                                      Action                                Labor cost                                Parts cost                        product                           U.S. operators

                                                 Inspection .......   1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per in-                                      $0     $85 per inspection cycle ........      $5,270 per inspection cycle.
                                                                        spection cycle.



                                                   We estimate the following costs to do                      be required based on the results of the                          determining the number of aircraft that
                                                 any necessary replacements that would                        proposed inspection. We have no way of                           might need these replacements:

                                                                                                                           ON-CONDITION COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cost per
                                                             Action                                                                Labor cost                                                      Parts cost       product

                                                 Replacement .....................   8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 .......................................................................        $14,083           $14,763



                                                   According to the manufacturer, some                        category airplanes to the Director of the                        § 39.13     [Amended]
                                                 of the costs of this proposed AD may be                      System Oversight Division.                                       ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                                 covered under warranty, thereby                                                                                               the following new airworthiness
                                                                                                              Regulatory Findings
                                                 reducing the cost impact on affected                                                                                          directive (AD):
                                                 individuals. We do not control warranty                        We determined that this proposed AD
                                                 coverage for affected individuals. As a                      would not have federalism implications                           ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Régional:
                                                 result, we have included all costs in our                    under Executive Order 13132. This                                   Docket No. FAA–2018–0167; Product
                                                                                                              proposed AD would not have a                                        Identifier 2017–NM–131–AD.
                                                 cost estimate.
                                                                                                              substantial direct effect on the States, on                      (a) Comments Due Date
                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                                the relationship between the national                              We must receive comments by May 14,
                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code                        Government and the States, or on the                             2018.
                                                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                       distribution of power and
                                                                                                              responsibilities among the various                               (b) Affected ADs
                                                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                                                                              levels of government.                                                None.
                                                 section 106, describes the authority of
                                                                                                                For the reasons discussed above, I                             (c) Applicability
                                                 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                              certify this proposed regulation:
                                                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                         1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                             This AD applies to ATR–GIE Avions de
                                                 detail the scope of the Agency’s                             action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                            Transport Régional Model ATR42–200, –300,
                                                 authority.                                                                                                                    –320, and –500 airplanes; and Model
                                                                                                                2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                                                                                                                                               ATR72–101, –102, –201, –202, –211, –212,
                                                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                      DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                           and –212A airplanes, certificated in any
                                                 the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,                   (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                                category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                            3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                                 General requirements.’’ Under that                           Alaska; and                                                      (d) Subject
                                                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                         4. Will not have a significant                                  Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                   economic impact, positive or negative,                           America Code 32, Landing gear.
                                                 air commerce by prescribing regulations                      on a substantial number of small entities                        (e) Reason
                                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                       under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                                                                              Flexibility Act.                                                    This AD was prompted by reports of
                                                 the Administrator finds necessary for                                                                                         cracking in certain main landing gear (MLG)
                                                 safety in air commerce. This regulation                      List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                               universal joints (U-joints). We are issuing this
                                                 is within the scope of that authority                                                                                         AD to detect and correct cracking in MLG U-
                                                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                       Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                         joints, which could lead to MLG structural
                                                 that is likely to exist or develop on                        safety, Incorporation by reference,                              failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG,
                                                 products identified in this rulemaking                       Safety.                                                          possibly resulting in damage to the airplane
                                                 action.                                                      The Proposed Amendment                                           and injury to the occupants.
                                                    This proposed AD is issued in                               Accordingly, under the authority                               (f) Compliance
                                                 accordance with authority delegated by                       delegated to me by the Administrator,                               Comply with this AD within the
                                                 the Executive Director, Aircraft                             the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                            compliance times specified, unless already
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Certification Service, as authorized by                      39 as follows:                                                   done.
                                                 FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance                                                                                             (g) Definitions
                                                 with that order, issuance of ADs is                          PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                                                                                                  (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected
                                                 normally a function of the Compliance                        DIRECTIVES                                                       U-joint is any U-joint identified by part
                                                 and Airworthiness Division, but during                                                                                        number (P/N) and serial number in the
                                                 this transition period, the Executive                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                                                                                                                                               applicable service bulletin specified in
                                                 Director has delegated the authority to                      continues to read as follows:                                    paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of
                                                 issue ADs applicable to transport                                Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                   this AD.



                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014    15:13 Mar 28, 2018    Jkt 244001    PO 00000     Frm 00005     Fmt 4702     Sfmt 4702    E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM          29MRP1


                                                 13438                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                    (i) For Model ATR42–200, –300, and –320              (l) No Reporting Requirement                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems Service                  Although the Accomplishment Instructions
                                                 Bulletin 631–32–249, Revision 1, dated June             of the service bulletins identified in                 Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 26, 2017.                                               paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(1)(iii) of
                                                    (ii) For Model ATR42–500 airplanes:                  this AD specify to submit certain information          14 CFR Part 71
                                                 Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin                 to the manufacturer, this AD does not
                                                 631–32–250, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.            include that requirement.                              [Docket No. FAA–2018–0137; Airspace
                                                    (iii) For Model ATR72–101, –102, –201,                                                                      Docket No. 18–ACE–2]
                                                 –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes:                  (m) Other FAA AD Provisions
                                                 Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin                    The following provisions also apply to this         Proposed Amendment and
                                                 631–32–251, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.            AD:                                                    Establishment of Class E Airspace;
                                                    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a                      (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance               Columbus, NE
                                                 serviceable part is an affected U-joint, as             (AMOCs): The Manager, International
                                                 defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD,                 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,              AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 released to service by Safran Landing                   has the authority to approve AMOCs for this            Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 Systems, free of defect, with the letter ‘‘V’’          AD, if requested using the procedures found            ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 added on the part (on the identification plate,         in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR             (NPRM).
                                                 or in the vicinity of the P/N marking); or a            39.19, send your request to your principal
                                                 new (never installed) U-joint; or a U-joint             inspector or local Flight Standards District           SUMMARY:   This action proposes to
                                                 repaired as specified in the applicable                 Office, as appropriate. If sending information         amend Class E airspace designated as a
                                                 component maintenance manual (CMM)                      directly to the International Section, send it
                                                 identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or
                                                                                                                                                                surface area and remove the Notice to
                                                                                                         to the attention of the person identified in           Airmen (NOTAM) part-time status,
                                                 (g)(2)(iii).                                            paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information may
                                                    (i) For Model ATR42–200, –300, and –320              be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-                         amend Class E airspace extending
                                                 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 32–               REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                     upward from 700 feet above the surface,
                                                 18–28, Rev. 10 or Safran Landing Systems                approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                 and establish Class E airspace
                                                 CMM 32–18–30, Rev. 8, both dated June 2,                principal inspector, or lacking a principal            designated as an extension to the Class
                                                 2017.                                                   inspector, the manager of the local flight             E surface area at Columbus Municipal
                                                    (ii) For Model ATR42–500 airplanes:                  standards district office/certificate holding          Airport, Columbus, NE. The FAA is
                                                 Safran Landing Systems CMM 32–18–45,                    district office.                                       proposing this action at the request of
                                                 Rev. 5 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 32–                   (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
                                                 18–63, Rev. 6, both dated June 2, 2017.                                                                        Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control
                                                                                                         requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
                                                    (iii) For Model ATR72–101, –102, –201,                                                                      Center (ARTCC) and as the result of an
                                                                                                         actions from a manufacturer, the action must
                                                 –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes:                  be accomplished using a method approved                FAA airspace review. Additionally, the
                                                 Safran Landing Systems CMM 32–18–34,                    by the Manager, International Section,                 geographic coordinates of the airport
                                                 Rev. 9, dated June 2, 2017.                             Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the                would be updated to coincide with the
                                                 (h) Repetitive Inspections                              European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or             FAA’s aeronautical database. This
                                                                                                         ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Régional’s                action is necessary for the safety and
                                                    Within 3 months or 500 flight cycles (FC),           EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).               management of instrument flight rules
                                                 whichever occurs first, after the effective date        If approved by the DOA, the approval must
                                                 of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to                                                                 (IFR) operations at the airport.
                                                                                                         include the DOA-authorized signature.
                                                 exceed 500 FC: Do a detailed inspection for                                                                    DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                 damage or cracking of each affected U-joint,            (n) Related Information                                or before May 14, 2018.
                                                 as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD,             (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                    ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
                                                 in accordance with the Accomplishment                   Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA                  proposal to the U.S. Department of
                                                 Instructions of the applicable service bulletin         Airworthiness Directive 2017–0172, dated               Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
                                                 specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or       September 7, 2017, for related information.
                                                 (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.                                                                                        New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
                                                                                                         This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
                                                                                                         on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov
                                                                                                                                                                Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                 (i) Corrective Action                                                                                          Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202)
                                                                                                         by searching for and locating Docket No.
                                                    If, during any inspection required by                FAA–2018–0167.                                         366–9826, or (800) 647–5527. You must
                                                 paragraph (h) of this AD, any damaged or                  (2) For more information about this AD,              identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                 cracked U-joint is found, before further flight:        contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace                 0137; Airspace Docket No. 18–ACE–2 at
                                                 Replace the U-joint of the affected MLG with            Engineer, International Section, Transport             the beginning of your comments. You
                                                 a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph             Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
                                                 (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the                                                                      may also submit comments through the
                                                                                                         St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and               internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
                                                 Accomplishment Instructions of the                      fax 206–231–3220.
                                                 applicable service bulletin specified in                  (3) For service information identified in
                                                                                                                                                                You may review the public docket
                                                 paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of      this AD, contact Safran Landing Systems,               containing the proposal, any comments
                                                 this AD.                                                Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue Général Valérie              received, and any final disposition in
                                                 (j) Terminating Action                                  André, 78140 VELIZY–VILLACOUBLAY—                     person in the Dockets Office between
                                                                                                         FRANCE; phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00;                  9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
                                                    Replacement on an airplane of all affected           internet: www.safran-landing-systems.com.
                                                 U-joints, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of                                                                 through Friday, except federal holidays.
                                                                                                         You may view this service information at the              FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
                                                 this AD, with serviceable parts, as defined in          FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
                                                 paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, constitutes                                                                       Designations and Reporting Points, and
                                                                                                         South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                   subsequent amendments can be viewed
                                                 terminating action for the repetitive
                                                                                                         information on the availability of this
                                                 inspections required by paragraph (h) of this                                                                  online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
                                                 AD for that airplane.                                                                                          publications/. For further information,
                                                                                                           Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on                 you can contact the Airspace Policy
                                                 (k) Parts Installation Limitation                       March 15, 2018.                                        Group, Federal Aviation
                                                    As of the effective date of this AD, no              Dionne Palermo,
                                                 person may install, on any airplane, an                                                                        Administration, 800 Independence
                                                                                                         Acting Director, System Oversight Division,            Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
                                                 affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph
                                                                                                         Aircraft Certification Service.                        telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
                                                 (g)(1) of this AD, unless it is a serviceable
                                                 part, as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this            [FR Doc. 2018–06270 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am]            also available for inspection at the
                                                 AD.                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                 National Archives and Records


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:13 Mar 28, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM   29MRP1



Document Created: 2018-03-29 00:25:01
Document Modified: 2018-03-29 00:25:01
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2018.
ContactShahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
FR Citation83 FR 13436 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR