Federal Register: November 26, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 229)
DOCID: fr26no08-32 FR Doc E8-28163
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39
Docket ID: [Docket No. FAA-2008-1237; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-125-AD]
RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64
NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES
DOCID: fr26no08-32
ACTION: Airworthiness Directives:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, ATR42- 320, ATR42-500, ATR72-101, ATR72-201, ATR72-102, ATR72-202, ATR72-211, ATR72-212, and ATR72-212A Airplanes
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 26, 2008.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
[C]hafed wirings were found in the rear baggage zone, closed [close]
to the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, due to contact
with an understructure securing screw. The concerned wiring harness
includes rudder trim, pitch trim and stick pusher control wires.
Damages on those wires might lead to the loss of fail safe criteria for those critical functions.
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
SUMMARY:
ATR Model ATR42-200, et al.,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
[[Page 71962]]
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. FAA20081237; Directorate Identifier 2008NM125AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 20080062, dated April 1, 2008 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
One ATR operator reported some spurious ``Pitch disconnect'' warning and ``AIL and R ELEV'' AntiIce Horn Fault caution
annunciations which precluded the use of the autopilot.
During the investigation, chafed wirings were found in the rear baggage zone, closed [close] to the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, due to contact with an understructure securing screw. The concerned wiring harness includes rudder trim, pitch trim and stick pusher control wires. Damages on those wires might lead to the loss of fail safe criteria for those critical functions.
To address the identified unsafe condition, this AD mandates a onetime inspection and a routing modification of the electrical wires in the bulkhead area.
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane. The corrective action also includes contacting ATR for repair instructions and doing the repair if any damage (chafing or contact between bundles of cables and the airframe structure) is found during the onetime inspection. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
ATR has issued Service Bulletins ATR42920015, ATR42920018, ATR72921016, and ATR72921018, all dated February 11, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 48 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 5 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Required parts would cost about $131 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $25,488, or $531 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (Formerly Aerospatiale): Docket No.
[[Page 71963]]
FAA20081237; Directorate Identifier 2008NM125AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by December 26, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) ATR Model ATR42200, ATR42300, and ATR42320 airplanes, all
serial numbers, except serial numbers 1 through 107 inclusive, 110
through 112 inclusive, 114, and 115, and except airplanes on which
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42920018, dated February 11, 2008, has been incorporated.
(2) ATR Model ATR42500 airplanes, all serial numbers, except
serial numbers 667 and subsequent, and except airplanes on which ATR
Service Bulletin ATR42920018, dated February 11, 2008, has been incorporated.
(3) ATR Model ATR72101, ATR72201, ATR72102, ATR72202, ATR72
211, ATR72212, and ATR72212A airplanes, all serial numbers except
serial numbers 756 and subsequent, and except airplanes on which ATR
Service bulletin ATR72921018, dated February 11, 2008, has been incorporated.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: Electrical Power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
One ATR operator reported some spurious ``Pitch disconnect'' warning and ``AIL and R ELEV'' AntiIce Horn Fault caution
annunciations which precluded the use of the autopilot.
During the investigation, chafed wirings were found in the rear baggage zone, closed [close] to the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, due to contact with an understructure securing screw. The concerned wiring harness includes rudder trim, pitch trim and stick pusher control wires. Damages on those wires might lead to the loss of fail safe criteria for those critical functions.
To address the identified unsafe condition, this AD mandates a onetime inspection and a routing modification of the electrical wires in the bulkhead area.
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane.
The corrective action also includes contacting ATR for repair
instructions and doing the repair if any damage (chafing or contact
between bundles of cables and the airframe structure) is found during the onetime inspection.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
perform a onetime detailed inspection for damage of the electrical routing in the rear baggage zone in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42920015 or ATR72921016, both dated February 11, 2008, as applicable.
(2) If any damage is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight contact ATR for repair instructions, and do the repair.
(ii) Before further flight, modify the electrical routing and
protective sleeve in the rear cargo compartment at frame 44 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42920018 or ATR72921018, both dated February 11, 2008, as applicable.
(3) If no damage is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Within 5,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, modify the electrical routing and replace
the protective sleeve in the rear cargo compartment at frame 44 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42920018 or ATR72921018, both dated February 11, 2008, as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows:
(1) Although the MCAI or service information tells you to submit
information to the manufacturer, such submittal is not required by this AD.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 980573356; telephone (425) 2271137; fax (425) 2271149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAAapproved. Corrective actions are considered
FAAapproved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 20080062, dated
April 1, 2008, and ATR Service Bulletins ATR42920015, ATR4292
0018, ATR72921016, and ATR72921018, all dated February 11, 2008, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 16, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E828163 Filed 112508; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980573356; telephone (425) 2271137; fax (425) 2271149.