AD 2001-14-21 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 Series Airplanes, and Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500 series, ATR72 series, ATR42 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes equipped with Labinal engine fire handles, as listed in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0023, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000; and Model ATR72 series airplanes equipped with Labinal engine fire handles, as listed in ATR72-26-1014, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. To prevent improper function of the engine fire handles, due to a machining defect of a control shaft bore guide, which could result in malfunction of the squib (trigger), and failure to activate one of the two engine fire extinguishers, accomplish the following: Temporary Revision of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) (a) Within 10 days from the effective date of this AD: Revise the Normal Procedures section of the FAA-approved AFM by inserting the following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. “Before each flight Engine 2 fire protection Depress SQUIB TEST pushbutton and check that both AGENT SQUIB lights illuminate. Engine 1 fire protection Depress SQUIB TEST pushbutton and check that both AGENT SQUIB lights illuminate.” Test of Engine Fire Protection System (b) After accomplishing paragraph (a) of this AD and prior to each flight thereafter: Perform a test of the engine fire protection system, in accordance with the temporary revision of the AFM specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, until accomplishment of paragraph (c) of this AD. Terminating Action (c) Within 21 months from the effective date of this AD: Remove the engine fire handles and inspect them to determine the serial number, in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0023, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000 (for Aerospatiale Model ATR42 series airplanes); or ATR72-26-1014, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes); and accomplish paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For any engine fire handle having a serial number listed in paragraph 1.C.(2) of the Planning Information of the applicable service bulletin that is not excepted: Perform the Labinal Special Inspection Service Bulletin 26-26-11-001, dated June 2000. (2) For any engine fire handle having a serial number identified in paragraph 1.C.(2) of the Planning Information of the applicable service bulletin that is excepted: Re-install the fire handles, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Note 2: Inspections and repairs accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0023, dated July 7, 2000, or ATR72-26-1014, dated July 7, 2000, are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in this amendment. Note 3: After accomplishment of paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, the temporary revision to the AFM required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM, and the pre-flight tests of the engine fire protection system required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be discontinued. Spare Parts (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an engine fire handle having part number (P/N) 19-51-41 or P/N 19-51-51 and having a serial number that is not excepted, as listed in paragraph 1.C.(2) of the Planning Information of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0023, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000 (for ATR42 series airplanes); or ATR72-26-1014, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes); unless the engine fire handle has been inspected and repaired in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (g) Except as provided by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD: The actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0023, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000; Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1014, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2000; or Labinal Special Inspection Service Bulletin 26-26-11-001, dated June 2000; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2000-282-050(B) and 2000-281-078(B), both with an effective date of July 8, 2000. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on August 28, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 12, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18018 Filed 7-23-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P