Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that some batches of nose landing gear (NLG) drag brace panels (DBP) having certain part numbers were affected by a quality deficiency that was not detected in production. This AD requires a measurement of the affected part and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective October 19, 2023.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 19, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1206; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For EASA material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.

• For Safran Landing Systems SAS service information incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Safran Landing Systems SAS, Inovel Parc Sud—7, rue Général Valérie André, 78140 VELIZY–VILLACOUBLAY—FRANCE; telephone +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00, website safran-landing-systems.com.

• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1206.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231–3220; email: shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR 42–200, ATR 42–300, ATR 42–320, ATR 42–400, ATR 42–500, ATR 72–101, ATR 72–102, ATR 72–201, ATR 72–202, ATR 72–211, ATR 72–212, and ATR 72–212A airplanes. Model ATR 42–400 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2023 (88 FR 37481). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023–0010, dated January 17, 2023, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2023–0010) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that it has been determined that some batches of NLG DBP having part number (P/N) D63757 and P/N D69085 were affected by a quality deficiency that was not detected in production. Consequently, this issue could lead to NLG DBP dissymmetry at the lower area, which might affect the structural strength of the NLG DBP. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to NLG DBP structural fatigue failure and subsequent collapse of the NLG, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a measurement of the affected part and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2023–0010. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1206.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, International, who supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2023–0010 specifies procedures for measuring the affected part and, depending on findings, accomplishing applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions could include obtaining and carrying out repair instructions, or replacing the affected part with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2033–0010 also specifies procedures for reporting measurement findings to ATR—GIE and prohibits the installation of affected parts.

Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631–32–286, dated October 28, 2022, provides the list of affected parts and specifies measurement procedures.

This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 73 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.

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.

The FAA is 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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023–17–01 ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional: Amendment 39–22527; Docket No. FAA–2023–1206; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00068–T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 19, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42–200, –300, –320, and –500 airplanes; and Model ATR72–101, –102, –201, –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a determination that some batches of nose landing gear (NLG) drag brace panels (DBP) having part number (P/N) D63757 and P/N D69085 were affected by a quality deficiency that was not detected in production. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of a resulting NLG DBP dissymmetry at the lower area, which might affect the structural strength of the NLG DBP. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to NLG DBP structural fatigue failure and subsequent collapse of the NLG, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0010, dated January 17, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0010).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0010

(1) Where EASA AD 2023–0010 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023–0010.

(3) Where EASA AD 2023–0010 defines “the SB,” for this AD, operators must use Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631–32–286, dated October 28, 2022.

(4) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023–0010 specifies to report measurement results to Safran Landing Systems SAS within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD, but do not exceed the compliance time specified in Table 1 of EASA AD 2023–0010.

(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Additional Information

For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231–3220; email: shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0010, dated January 17, 2023.

(ii) Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631–32–286, dated October 28, 2022.

(3) For EASA AD 2023–0010, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.

(4) For Safran Landing Systems SAS service information, contact Safran Landing Systems SAS, Inovel Parc Sud—7, rue Général Valérie André, 78140 VELIZY–VILLACOUBLAY—FRANCE; telephone +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00, website safran-landing-systems.com.

(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.

(6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html .