[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 19, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47318-47321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20099]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening 
of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposal for all ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes. This 
action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by increasing 
the number of affected parts that must be inspected. We are proposing 
this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on 
these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden 
over those in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow 
the public the chance to comment on these changes.

DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 29, 2018 (83 FR 13436), is reopened.
    We must receive comments on this SNPRM by November 5, 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: 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 SNPRM, contact Safran 
Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral 
Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; phone: 
+33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: www.safran-landing-systems.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-
0167; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 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-2018-0167; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this SNPRM 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 SNPRM.

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model 
ATR42 and

[[Page 47319]]

Model ATR72 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
March 29, 2018 (83 FR 13436). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
cracking in main landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). The 
NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed inspections of the 
affected U-joints for cracks, and replacement if necessary. The NPRM 
also provided an optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, the number of affected parts that must be 
inspected has increased. In addition, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0080, 
dated April 11, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), which 
supersedes EASA AD 2017-0172, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to in 
the NPRM).
    The MCAI was issued to correct an unsafe condition on all ATR-GIE 
Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported of finding cracks in certain MLG U-
joints. Subsequent investigation identified a batch of affected U-
joints which have possibly been subjected to non-detected thermal 
abuse during the grinding process by the U-joint manufacturer in 
production, or by a maintenance organization during overhaul and/or 
repair.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SLS [Safran Landing 
Systems] published the applicable SB [service bulletin] to provide 
inspection instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-0172 to 
require repetitive detailed visual inspection (DVI) of the affected 
U-joints for cracks, and, depending on findings, replacement.
    Since that AD was issued, SLS identified that certain s/n 
[serial numbers] of affected U-joints were inadvertently not 
included in the list of the original issue of the applicable SB. 
Consequently, SLS issued Revision 02 of the applicable SB to clarify 
the s/n tables of P/N [part number] D56805 and P/N D56805-2, and to 
add those missed s/n of affected U-joints.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0172, which is superseded, and includes 
reference to Revision 02 of the applicable SB.

    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-
0167.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Safran Landing Systems has issued Service Bulletin 631-32-249, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018. The service information describes 
procedures for detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for 
cracking, and replacement if necessary. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models. 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this proposed AD. We considered the comment received.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Information

    Empire Airlines requested that we refer to Service Bulletin 631-32-
249, Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018, because the number of affected 
parts increased with these revisions.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised this 
proposed AD to refer to the new service bulletins. We have given credit 
for affected parts listed in Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 1, 
dated June 26, 2017; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 1, dated 
June 26, 2017; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, Revision 1, dated June 
26, 2017. Any affected parts not identified in Revision 1 of the 
applicable service bulletins must still comply with the requirements of 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this proposed AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM

    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.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 62 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.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0   $85 per inspection  $5,270 per
                                  hour = $85 per                            cycle.              inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these on-condition actions:

[[Page 47320]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
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Replacement...............................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680         $14,083          $14,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in 
our cost estimate.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 5, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and Model ATR72-
101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking in MLG U-joints, which could lead 
to MLG structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected U-joint is any U-
joint identified by part number (P/N) and serial number listed in 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 2, dated 
February 13, 2018.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems 
Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is an 
affected U-joint, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
released to service by Safran Landing Systems, free of defect, with 
the letter ``V'' added on the part (on the identification plate, or 
in the vicinity of the P/N marking); or a new (never installed) U-
joint; or a U-joint repaired as specified in the applicable 
component maintenance manual (CMM) identified in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii).
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems CMM 32-18-28, Rev. 10 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-30, Rev. 8, both dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-45, Rev. 5 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-63, Rev. 6, 
both dated June 2, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-34, Rev. 9, dated 
June 2, 2017.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 3 months or 500 flight cycles (FC), whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 FC: Do a detailed inspection for 
cracking of each affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

[[Page 47321]]

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any cracked U-joint is found, before further flight: Replace the 
cracked U-joint with a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(j) Terminating Action

    Replacement of all affected U-joints on an airplane, as 
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, with serviceable parts, 
as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, unless it is a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD.

(l) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletins identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and 
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service bulletins 
specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), or (m)(3) of this AD, 
provided that affected U-joints not identified in the service 
bulletins specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), or (m)(3) of this 
AD comply with the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this 
AD.
    (1) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (2) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (3) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (o)(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: 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 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0080, dated April 11, 2018, 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-2018-0167.
    (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 
Safran Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue 
G[eacute]n[eacute]ral Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-
VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: 
www.safran-landing-systems.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 September 10, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20099 Filed 9-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P