AD 2001-15-09 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. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes; and Model ATR72 series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those on which Aerospatiale Modification 05226 has been accomplished. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (b) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a mechanical failure of the uplock box mechanisms, which could result in failure of the associated landing gear to extend, accomplish the following: Removal and Replacement (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, remove and replace the three existing uplock boxes of the main and nose landing gears with modified uplock boxes in accordance with the instructions given in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletins ATR42-32-0090 (for Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes) and ATR72-32-1038 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes), both dated May 19, 2000. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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 2: 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 (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-32-0090, dated May 19, 2000; and Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-32-1038, dated May 19, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2000-189-078(B) and 2000-190-042(B), both dated May 3, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 29, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 16, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18254 Filed 7-24-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P