[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27114-27116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11350]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1280; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-064-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 
airplanes, and Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report of chafed wires between electrical 
harnesses. This proposed AD would require inspections for wiring 
discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct damaged wiring and incorrect installation 
of the wiring harness and adjacent air ducts, which could lead to wire 
harness chafing and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre 
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; 
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1280; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; 
fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-1280; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-064-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0052R1, dated April 7, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain ATR-

[[Page 27115]]

GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, and 
Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An erroneous cockpit indication has been reported on an in-
service aircraft. Subsequent investigation identified chafed wiring 
between harnesses (2M-2S-6M) and the metallic structure of the cargo 
lining panel above the electronic rack 90VU shelf. The chafing was 
most likely the result of incorrect harness installation. In some 
cases, the bracket, which supports the harnesses, could be 
incorrectly positioned. Consequently, the wiring harnesses, and in 
certain configurations, the adjacent air duct, could be incorrectly 
routed.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
wiring harness chafing and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board 
fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, ATR issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) ATR42-92-0024 and SB ATR72-92-1032, as applicable to 
aeroplane model, to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2014-0052 
[http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/lib100154/2014-0052.pdf] 
to require a one-time visual inspection of the affected area 
including a systematic bracket position check and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.
    This [EASA] AD is revised to make the bracket position check 
dependent on findings, determined during the inspection of the 
electrical bundle and air duct routing. Corrective actions include 
repairing damaged wiring, correctly installing the bracket which 
supports bundle 2M-2S-6M, and routing bundle 2M-2S-6M and the air 
conditioning flexible hose in the correct positions.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1280.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has issued Service 
Bulletin ATR42-92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014. The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the electrical 
harness routing on the top of 90VU electric rack and to modify it if 
necessary.
    ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has also issued Service 
Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014. The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the electrical 
harness routing on the top of 90VU electric rack and to modify it if 
necessary.
    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. This service 
information 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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $85, or $85 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $82, for a cost of 
$337 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these actions.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2015-
1280; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-064-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 26, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) 
of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model ATR42-500 airplanes, serial numbers 443 through 1006 
inclusive, except serial numbers 811, 1002, and 1005.
    (2) Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes, serial 
numbers 475 through 969 inclusive, 971 through 988 inclusive, 1025, 
1028 through 1069 inclusive, and 1072, except serial numbers 956 and 
1042.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical 
Routing.

[[Page 27116]]

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of chafed wires between 
electrical harnesses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
damaged wiring and incorrect installation of the wiring harness and 
adjacent air ducts, which could lead to wire harness chafing and 
arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0024, Revision 
01, dated January 16, 2014; or Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014; 
as applicable.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection for damage of the electrical 
wires of bundle 2M-2S-6M.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection for correct routing of 
electrical bundle 2M-2S-6M, and correct routing of the air duct.

(h) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any damage is found on the electrical wires: Before further 
flight, repair the wires, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014; or Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
01, dated January 16, 2014; as applicable.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, electrical bundle 2M-2S-6M and/or an air duct is found to 
be incorrectly routed: Within 500 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for correct 
positioning of the bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014; or Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
01, dated January 16, 2014; as applicable.
    (i) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, the bracket is found to be correctly positioned: Within 500 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014; or Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
01, dated January 16, 2014; as applicable.
    (ii) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, the bracket is found to be missing or incorrectly 
positioned: Within 500 flight hours after the inspection required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by this AD, 
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-92-
0024, dated June 6, 2013; or Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, dated June 6, 2013; as applicable; 
which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0052R1, dated April 7, 
2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1280.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR-
GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre 
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; 
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 1, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-11350 Filed 5-11-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P