[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25419-25422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11692]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0494; Product Identifier 2017-NM-182-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-07-
26, which applies to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42 airplanes. AD 2006-07-26 requires a one-time inspection to 
detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared fasteners, 
distortion) of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing boxes, and 
repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2006-07-26, we have

[[Page 25420]]

received reports of cracking in these same areas on other Model ATR42 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing 
boxes, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 16, 2018.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 aircraft.com">continued.airworthiness@atr-aircraft.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0494; 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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0494; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-182-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

    We issued AD 2006-07-26, Amendment 39-14553 (71 FR 18205, April 11, 
2006) (``AD 2006-07-26'') for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. AD 2006-07-26 requires a one-
time inspection to detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared 
fasteners, distortion) of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing 
boxes, and repair if necessary. AD 2006-07-26 resulted from a report of 
cracking on the upper skin and ribs of the outer wing box on an in-
service airplane. We issued AD 2006-07-26 to detect and correct 
discrepancies of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing boxes, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2006-07-26 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2006-07-26, we have received additional reports 
of cracking on the upper skin and ribs of the outer wing box on other 
Model ATR42 airplanes.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0244, dated December 7, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrence was reported of detecting cracks on the wing of one 
in-service ATR 42 aeroplane in 2004. The cracks were found on the 
upper feet of ribs and on the upper skin of the wing outer boxes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could adversely 
affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, ATR issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) ATR42-57-0064 to provide inspection instructions and 
DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] France 
issued [French] AD F-2004-191 (EASA approval 2004-12117) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2006-07-26] to require, for aeroplanes having 
accumulated more than 4,000 flight cycles (FC), a one-time Detailed 
Visual Inspection (DVI) of outer wing box upper skin and upper rib 
feet, on the right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) sides, from rib 24 
to rib 29. After that [French] AD was issued, based on inspection 
results (all aeroplanes inspected, no similar case found), it was 
determined that these cracks were an isolated case.
    More recently, three other cases were reported, indicating that 
this may not be an isolated case and that cracks could occur in this 
area of the wings on other ATR 42 aeroplanes. Consequently, ATR 
published SB ATR42-57-0074 (hereafter referred as `ATR SB' in this 
[EASA] AD) to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD supersedes DGAC 
France AD F-2004-191 and requires repetitive DVI of the same wing 
areas and, depending on findings, accomplishment of a repair.

    This proposed AD would also require, after each inspection, 
reporting the inspection findings, both positive and negative, to ATR-
GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional.
    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-2018-
0494.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has issued ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-57-0074, dated October 19, 2017. This service 
information describes procedures for inspecting the upper skin and rib 
feet of the outer wing boxes for discrepancies. 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.

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 the same 
type design.

[[Page 25421]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 37 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
          Action                   Labor cost           Parts cost      Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...............  6 work-hours x $85 per                 $0  $510 per inspection   $18,870 per
                            hour = $510 per                            cycle.                inspection cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
Reporting................  1 work-hour x $85 per                   0  $85.................  $3,145 per
                            hour = $85 per                                                   inspection cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
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 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 current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2006-07-26, Amendment 39-14553 (71 FR 18205, April 11, 2006), and 
adding the following new AD:

ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2018-
0494; Product Identifier 2017-NM-182-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2006-07-26, Amendment 39-14553 (71 FR 18205, 
April 11, 2006) (``AD 2006-07-26'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the upper skin 
and rib feet of the outer wing boxes, and more recent reports of 
such cracking on additional Model ATR42 airplanes. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/
sheared fasteners, distortion) of the upper skin and rib feet of the 
outer wing boxes, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Within the initial compliance time specified in table 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
48 months or 6,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first: Do a 
detailed visual inspection

[[Page 25422]]

for discrepancies of the left-hand and right-hand wing outer wing 
box upper skin panels and rib upper feet between rib 24 to rib 29. 
Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0074, dated October 19, 2017.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP01JN18.001

(h) Corrective Actions

    If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a 
method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature. Do the repair within the 
compliance time specified in the approved repair method.

(i) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) 
of this AD: Report all findings (both positive and negative) of the 
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD to ATR-GIE Avions 
de Transport R[eacute]gional, using the information in ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-57-0074, dated October 19, 2017.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after performing the 
inspection.
    (2) 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.

(j) Repair Is Not Terminating Action

    Unless the repair instructions specify otherwise, repair of an 
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD is not considered 
terminating action for the repetitive detailed visual inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    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 current 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 be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0244, dated December 7, 
2017, 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-2018-0494.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
    (3) 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 aircraft.com">continued.airworthiness@atr-aircraft.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11692 Filed 5-31-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P