Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 29511-29514
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-11096
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-254-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors. The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. This action revises the NPRM by adding new proposed requirements for modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 27, 2016.
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 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional, 1, Alleacutee Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atr.fr; 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-
0077; 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 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-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-254-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://
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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 a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3531) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-
installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM, we have determined that, in order to address the identified unsafe condition, additional requirements are needed for modifying the overhead stowage compartments (including removing the hooks and fittings from the lateral rails) and re-
identifying the overhead stowage compartments with new part numbers. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0018, dated February 5, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-
212A airplanes. The MCAI states:
Interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door opening and surrounding passenger cabin furnishing was detected during a production check.
Subsequent investigation identified an insufficient gap between the emergency exit door internal skin structure and the overhead stowage compartment fitting, installed on the rail, as a cause of the interference.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent an unobstructed opening of both Type III Emergency Exit doors in case of emergency evacuation.
Prompted by this finding, EASA issued AD 2013-0280 http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0280 to require a one-time check of the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit door internal skin and a relevant fitting and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). That EASA AD was considered to be a temporary measure.
Since that EASA AD was issued, ATR developed a design solution to ensure that no interference with surrounding structure occurs during opening of an emergency exit. ATR Service Bulletins (SB) ATR42-25-0185, SB ATR42-25-0186, SB ATR72-25-1148 and SB ATR72-25-
1149 were issued to provide the necessary modification instructions for in-service aeroplanes.
For the reason described above, this EASA AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0280, which is superseded, and requires modification of the overhead bin attachment adjacent to the Type III emergency exit doors The modification includes removing the hooks and fittings from the lateral rails and re-identifying the overhead stowage compartments.
Required actions include an additional measurement of the gap between the internal skin and overhead stowage compartment hooks of both Type III Emergency Exits, if necessary. Corrective actions include re-
installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors and doing a repair. 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-
0077.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Avions de Transport Reacutegional Service has issued the following service information:
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42 25-0180, dated August 19, 2013, which describes procedures for, among other things, removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments, measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, re-installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors, and repair.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR72 25-1141, dated August 19, 2013, which describes procedures for, among other things, removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments, measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, and re-installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage compartments.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage compartments.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage compartments.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage compartments.
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 received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
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 SNPRM affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this SNPRM. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this SNPRM on U.S. operators to be $1,360, or $340, or per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 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
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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):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
254-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 27, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) on which ATR Modification 6518 has been embodied in production, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 has been embodied in production.
(2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional Model ATR72-
212A airplanes on which ATR Modification 6517 has been embodied in production, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 has been embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. We are issuing this AD to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Measurement of Gap Between Type III Emergency Exit Doors and Certain Overhead Stowage Compartment Fittings
For all airplanes, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7152 has been embodied in production and except airplanes having MSN 1002, 1005, 1089, 1094, 1095, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, or 1102: Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, measure the gap between each Type III Emergency Exit door, left hand (LH) and right hand (RH), and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail, by unlocking and slightly rotating the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit doors with the doors remaining on the lower fittings. Use a shim gauge 6 millimeters (mm) (0.236 inch) thick, to measure the gap between the internal skin of the doors and the relevant fittings, part number (P/N) S2522924620000 (LH fitting) and P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting).
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Illustrations may be found in the applicable ATR Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) 25-23-02, figure 87, item 90/100.
Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: It might be necessary to pull on the door blanket to correctly see the door internal skin.
(h) Re-Installation of Type III Emergency Exit Doors
During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1)(d) of the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
(i) Removal of Fitting and Measurement of Gap Between Door Internal Skin and Overhead Stowage Compartment Hooks
During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, remove the fitting P/N S2522924620000 (LH fitting) or P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting), and measure the gap between the internal skin of the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit Doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
(1) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this AD, it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
(2) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this AD, it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, 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 Reacutegional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
(j) Modification of Overhead Stowage Compartments and Re-
Identification of Part Number
Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the overhead stowage compartments, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0185, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 2014.
(2) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0186, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 2014.
(3) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-
1148, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 2014.
(4) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-
1149, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 2014.
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(k) 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 EASA; or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0018, dated February 5, 2015, 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-2015-0077.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR--
GIE Avions de Transport Reacutegional, 1, Alleacutee Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atr.fr; 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-11096 Filed 5-11-16; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
