[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 2, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37789-37791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14191]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0293; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-287-AD; 
Amendment 39-15582; AD 2008-13-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500 
Airplanes; and Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A 
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:

    A recent incident evidenced that some failures of the Pitot 
probe heating resistance may not be seen by the low current 
detection system on aircraft not equipped with [ATR] modification 
05469 * * *. In some conditions, an out of tolerance resistance, 
failing to provide a proper Pitot probe de-icing could not be 
detected.

* * * * *
    The unsafe condition is that undetected icing of the pitot probe 
could produce incorrect airspeed readings, which could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 6, 2008. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in this AD as of August 6, 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 March 13, 2008 (73 
FR 13496). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A recent incident evidenced that some failures of the Pitot 
probe heating resistance may not be seen by the low current 
detection system on aircraft not equipped with [ATR] modification 
05469 (SB (Service Bulletin) ATR42-30-0072 or ATR72-30-1042). In 
some conditions, an out of tolerance resistance, failing to provide 
a proper Pitot probe de-icing could not be detected.
    To address this unsafe condition, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires repetitive verification of the Pitot probes' 
resistance and replacement of any defective probes, and ultimate 
replacement of the three low current sensors for Captain, First 
Officer and Standby Pitot probes.

    The unsafe condition is that undetected icing of the pitot probe 
could produce incorrect airspeed readings, which could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane. 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.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    ATR has issued revisions to two of the service information 
documents identified in the NPRM: Avions de Transport Regional Service 
Bulletins ATR42-30-0074 and ATR72-30-1044, both Revision 01, both dated 
September 26, 2007. We have changed paragraphs (f)(1) and (h) 
accordingly, and added paragraph (f)(3) to give credit for actions done 
per the original versions of those service bulletins.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

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 4 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,880 
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 parts. 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 this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $112,200, or $2,200 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.

[[Page 37790]]

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:
2008-13-19 ATR--Gie Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (Formerly 
Aerospatiale): Amendment 39-15582. Docket No. FAA-2008-0293; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-287-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
6, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to ATR Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 
airplanes and Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers; 
except for airplanes having ATR Modification 05469 installed in 
production, or installed in service in accordance with Avions de 
Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0072 or ATR72-30-1042, 
both Revision l, both dated June 1, 2005; as applicable.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and 
Rain Protection.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A recent incident evidenced that some failures of the Pitot 
probe heating resistance may not be seen by the low current 
detection system on aircraft not equipped with [ATR] modification 
05469 (SB (Service Bulletin) ATR42-30-0072 or ATR72-30-1042). In 
some conditions, an out of tolerance resistance, failing to provide 
a proper Pitot probe de-icing could not be detected.
    To address this unsafe condition, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires repetitive verification of the Pitot probes' 
resistance and replacement of any defective probes, and ultimate 
replacement of the three low current sensors for Captain, First 
Officer and Standby Pitot probes.
    The unsafe condition is that undetected icing of the pitot probe 
could produce incorrect airspeed readings, which could lead to loss 
of control of the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
measure the heating resistance of the three pitot probes, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de 
Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0074 or ATR72-30-1044, 
both Revision 01, both dated September 26, 2007, as applicable. If 
any resistance exceeds 50 ohms, before next flight, replace the 
pitot probe in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the measurement thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours, until the current 
sensors have been replaced as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this 
AD.
    (2) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, replace the three pitot probe current sensors, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional 
Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0072 or ATR72-30-1042, both Revision 1, 
both dated June 1, 2005, as applicable. Doing this paragraph ends 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (3) Actions are also acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD if done before the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-
30-0074 or ATR72-30-1044, both dated May 14, 2007, as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: 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 2007-0179, dated July 31, 2007, and the 
service information described in Table 1 of this AD, for related 
information.

                                          Table 1.--Service Information
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 Avions de Transport Regional Service
               Bulletin                               Revision                               Date
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ATR42-30-0072.........................  1..................................  June 1, 2005.

[[Page 37791]]

 
ATR42-30-0074.........................  01.................................  September 26, 2007.
ATR72-30-1042.........................  1..................................  June 1, 2005.
ATR72-30-1044.........................  01.................................  September 26, 2007.
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Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the applicable service information specified in 
Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise. Avions de Transport Regional Service 
Bulletin ATR42-30-0072, Revision, 1 dated June 1, 2005, contains the 
following effective pages:

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               Page Nos.                    Revision level shown on page              Date shown on page
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1, 2..................................  1..................................  June 1, 2005.
3-9...................................  Original...........................  October 21, 2004.
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    (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.

                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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 Avions de Transport Regional Service
               Bulletin                               Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR42-30-0072.........................  1..................................  June 1, 2005.
ATR42-30-0074.........................  01.................................  September 26, 2007.
ATR72-30-1042.........................  1..................................  June 1, 2005.
ATR72-30-1044.........................  01.................................  September 26, 2007.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-14191 Filed 7-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P