[Federal Register: July 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 138)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42578-42580]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18jy03-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-280-AD; Amendment 39-13232; AD 2003-14-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 Series
Airplanes and Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -
500 series airplanes; and Model ATR72 series airplanes; that requires
replacement of a certain Automatic Takeoff Power Control System (ATPCS)
test selector switch with a different test selector switch. This action
is necessary to prevent shorting of a contact in the ATPCS test
selector switch due to abnormal wear of contact surfaces, which could
result in dual engine power drop with associated loss of both
alternating current wild and main hydraulic power during ground
maneuvers, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane and
increased flightcrew workload. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective August 22, 2003.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 22, 2003.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex
03, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
[[Page 42579]]
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-
200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes; and Model ATR72 series
airplanes; was published in the Federal Register on April 1, 2003 (68
FR 15682). That action proposed to require replacement of a certain
Automatic Takeoff Power Control System (ATPCS) test selector switch
with a different test selector switch.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of
compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we
have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.
Change to Labor Rate
After the proposed AD was issued, we reviewed the figures we use to
calculate the labor rate to do the required actions. To account for
various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it
appropriate to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from
$60 per work hour to $65 per work hour. The economic impact
information, below, has been revised to reflect this increase in the
specified hourly labor rate.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 133 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required replacement, and that the average
labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$536 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $105,868, or $796 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-14-13 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-13232. Docket 2001-NM-280-AD.
Applicability: Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series
airplanes; and Model ATR72 series airplanes; certificated in any
category; equipped with IPP JANCO Automatic Takeoff Power Control
System (ATPCS) test selector switch, part number (P/N) ACE 0002;
except those airplanes having received modification 5162 in
production and on which no replacement of the ATPCS test selector
switch has been performed afterwards.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent shorting of a contact in the ATPCS test selector
switch due to abnormal wear of contact surfaces, which could result
in dual engine power drop with associated loss of both alternating
current wild and main hydraulic power during ground maneuvers, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane and increased
flightcrew workload, accomplish the following:
Replacement
(a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, replace
the IPP JANCO ATPCS test selector switch having P/N ACE 0002 on
panel 114VU (FIN 22KF) with an IEC Electronique test selector switch
having P/N 097-037-00, per Avions de Transport Regional Service
Letter ATR42-61-5012 (for Model ATR42 series airplanes) or ATR72-61-
6008 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes), both dated April 23, 2002;
as applicable.
Parts Installation
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an IPP JANCO ATPCS test selector switch, P/N ACE 0002, on any
airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who
[[Page 42580]]
may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de
Transport Regional Service Letter ATR42-61-5012, dated April 23,
2002; or Avions de Transport Regional Service Letter ATR72-61-6008,
dated April 23, 2002; as applicable. This incorporation by reference
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03,
France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 2001-214-084(B) and 2001-215-057(B), both
dated May 30, 2001.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 22, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 8, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17773 Filed 7-17-03; 8:45 am]
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