[Federal Register: July 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 131)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38887-38889]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08jy08-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0409; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-265-AD;
Amendment 39-15587; AD 2008-13-24]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model ATR42 Airplanes and Model
ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, and -212 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 the
products listed above. This 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:
It has been found on in-service aircraft that some aileron tab
bellcrank assemblies were not in accordance with the definition
drawings.
The main item concerned is the retainer Part Number
S2711004620000, which has been manufactured with a hole larger than
it should be, or redrilled out of limits.
The function of the retainer is to maintain the spacer in
position in case of rupture or loss of the bolt which links the tab
control rod to the bellcrank assembly. If the diameter of the
retainer hole is out of limit, the retainer function is lost and
fail-safe installation is no longer ensured. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to loss of the aileron tab bellcrank
functionality, resulting in diminished control of the aircraft.
* * * * *
[[Page 38888]]
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 12, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 12,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2008 (73
FR 19768). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
It has been found on in-service aircraft that some aileron tab
bellcrank assemblies were not in accordance with the definition
drawings.
The main item concerned is the retainer Part Number
S2711004620000, which has been manufactured with a hole larger than
it should be, or redrilled out of limits.
The function of the retainer is to maintain the spacer in
position in case of rupture or loss of the bolt which links the tab
control rod to the bellcrank assembly. If the diameter of the
retainer hole is out of limit, the retainer function is lost and
fail-safe installation is no longer ensured. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to loss of the aileron tab bellcrank
functionality, resulting in diminished control of the aircraft.
For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires the inspection [for proper hole diameter] of the aileron
tab bellcrank retainer and, if necessary, the restoration of a
proper installation [replacing any retainer which does not meet
specified limits with a new retainer].
Corrective actions also include doing a general visual inspection (GVI)
for discrepancies (corrosion, deformation, scratches, or other defects)
of the bolt and fasteners of the bellcrank assembly. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 51 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $8,160, or $160 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 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 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2008-13-24 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (Formerly
Aerospatiale): Amendment 39-15587. Docket No. FAA-2008-0409;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-265-AD.
[[Page 38889]]
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
12, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to ATR Model ATR42 airplanes, certificated
in any category, all models, all serial numbers, except airplanes
which have received ATR modification 04372 (aileron spring tab) in
production or ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0081 or Service Bulletin
ATR42-27-0092 in service; and ATR Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202,
-211, and -212 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial
numbers, except airplanes which have received ATR modification 04373
(aileron spring tab) in production or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-27-
1045 in service.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
It has been found on in-service aircraft that some aileron tab
bellcrank assemblies were not in accordance with the definition
drawings.
The main item concerned is the retainer Part Number
S2711004620000, which has been manufactured with a hole larger than
it should be, or redrilled out of limits.
The function of the retainer is to maintain the spacer in
position in case of rupture or loss of the bolt which links the tab
control rod to the bellcrank assembly. If the diameter of the
retainer hole is out of limit, the retainer function is lost and
fail-safe installation is no longer ensured. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to loss of the aileron tab bellcrank
functionality, resulting in diminished control of the aircraft.
For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires the inspection [for proper hole diameter] of the aileron
tab bellcrank retainer and, if necessary, the restoration of a
proper installation [replacing any retainer which does not meet
specified limits with a new retainer].
Corrective actions also include doing a general visual inspection
(GVI) for discrepancies (corrosion, deformation, scratches, or other
defects) of the bolt and fasteners of the bellcrank assembly.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, unless
already done, do the following actions.
(1) Measure the hole diameter of the retainer of the aileron
automatic tab bellcrank assembly, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service
Bulletin ATR42-27-0098 or ATR72-27-1060, both dated December 19,
2006, as applicable. If the hole diameter is within specified
limits, no further actions are required by paragraph (f) of this AD
for that retainer.
(2) If any retainer exceeds the hole diameter limits specified
in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0098 or
ATR72-27-1060, both dated December 19, 2006, as applicable, before
further flight, replace the retainer with a retainer that meets hole
diameter limits, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the applicable service bulletin. For any airplane for which a
replacement retainer is not available, before further flight, do a
GVI for discrepancies of the bolt and fasteners of the bellcrank
assembly. If any discrepancies of the bolt and fasteners are found,
replace the retainer before further flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. If
no discrepancies are found, replace the retainer no later than 2
flight days after the hole measurement, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a GVI is: ``A visual
examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or
assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This
level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless
otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual
access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of
inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such
as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may
require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands,
ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area
being checked.''
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
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 FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved 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.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0376, dated December 19, 2006; and
Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletins ATR42-27-0098 and
ATR72-27-1060, both dated December 19, 2006; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin
ATR42-27-0098, dated December 19, 2006; or Avions de Transport
Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1060, dated December 19, 2006; as
applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR,
316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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 June 10, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-14477 Filed 7-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P