[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13574-13575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7222]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-24-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-300 and -320,
and Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-
300 and -320, and Model ATR72 series airplanes. This proposal would
require modification of the engine fuel drainage system. This proposal
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fuel from
overflowing into the engine nacelle, which could result in a fire in
the nacelle.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-24-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex
03, France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-24-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-24-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-300 and -320,
and Model ATR72 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that the existing
design of the engine fuel drainage system could allow the drainage
system to clog. If the engine fuel drainage system is clogged, fuel
leakage from the nozzles or turbine may result in fuel overflowing into
the engine nacelle. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a
fire in the nacelle.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Aerospatiale has issued Service Bulletin ATR42-71-0010, Revision 4,
dated October 23, 1996 (for Model ATR42 series airplanes), which
describes procedures for modifying the engine fuel drainage system to
allow improved drainage. This modification involves bypassing the
manifold by disconnecting the drain pipe from the engine nozzle to the
manifold, installing a plug on the manifold where the drain pipe was
connected, and connecting a new drain hose from the engine nozzle drain
point directly to the breather tube outlet.
Aerospatiale also has issued Service Bulletin ATR72-71-1006,
Revision 1, dated October 21, 1996 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes),
which describes procedures for modifying the engine fuel drainage
system. This modification involves isolating the engine turbine drain
pipe from the collector manifold by installing a new
[[Page 13575]]
drain pipe, which bypasses the manifold.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The
DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directives 96-109-063 (B) and 96-110-030 (B), both dated
June 5, 1996, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 145 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD.
For Model ATR42-300 and -320 series airplanes (106 airplanes), it
would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the
proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this modification
proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $50,880, or
$480 per airplane.
For Model ATR72 series airplanes (39 airplanes), it would take
approximately 15 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $1,499 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of this modification proposed by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $93,561, or $2,399 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Aerospatiale: Docket 98-NM-24-AD.
Applicability: Model ATR42-300 and -320 series airplanes, on
which Aerospatiale Modification 1696 (reference Aerospatiale Service
Bulletin ATR42-71-0010) has not been accomplished; and Model ATR72-
101, -201, -102, -202, -211, and -212 series airplanes, on which
Aerospatiale Modification 3742 (reference Aerospatiale Service
Bulletin ATR72-71-1006) has not been accomplished; certificated in
any category.
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 (b) 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 fuel from overflowing into the engine nacelle, which
could result in a fire in the nacelle, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the engine fuel drainage system, in accordance with Aerospatiale
Service Bulletin ATR42-71-0010, Revision 4, dated October 23, 1996
(for Model ATR42 series airplanes), or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin
ATR72-71-1006, Revision 1, dated October 21, 1996 (for Model ATR72
series airplanes), as applicable.
(b) 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, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who 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.
(c) 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 96-109-063 (B) and 96-110-030 (B), both
dated June 5, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 13, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-7222 Filed 3-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P