AD 2003-12-10 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 Series Airplanes; and Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and 212A Series Airplanes

Airplanes listed in the following table, certificated in any category: Table 1.—Applicability Airplane models— On which these modifications have been installed— On which these modifications have not been installed— ATR42-200, -300, and --320 series airplanes 0384, 1685, or 1991; or modifications per Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) Service Bulletins ATR42-25-0082, ATR42-98-331A, or ATR42-98-409C 5328 per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0141, 0619, or 8023 per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-98-025A ATR42-500 series airplanes 4181 or 5042 5301 per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-98-524D, or 5328 per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0141 ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A series airplanes (No applicable modification) 5328 (replacement of the inertia-reel harness with a fixed harness) per ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1082 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 (c) 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 release of the forward flight attendant's shoulder restraint harness, which could result in injury to the flight attendant in case of turbulence; accomplish the following: Modification (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the forward flight attendant's seat located in the front of the cabin (including replacing the inertia-reel harness with a new fixed harness, and replace the backrest cover and backrest cushion with new components), per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0141, dated October 15, 2002 (for Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes); or Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1082, dated October 15, 2002 (for Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and 212A series airplanes); as applicable. Follow-on Actions (b) Before further flight following accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD per ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0141, dated October 15, 2002; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1082, dated October 15, 2002; as applicable. (1) Replace the seat identification placard with a new placard having a new part number (P/N). (2) Install a new modification placard to indicate accomplishment of the SICMA Service Bulletin 138-25-008, dated September 18, 2002. Note 2: ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-25-0141 and ATR72-25-1082 reference SICMA Service Bulletin 138-25-008 as an additional source of service information for procedures to modify the forward flight attendant's seat, and to perform follow-on actions (including replacing the seat identification placard with a new placard, and installing a new modification placard). Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 3: 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 (d) 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0141, dated October 15, 2002; or Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1082, dated October 15, 2002; 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2002-539(B), dated October 30, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-15220 Filed 6-17-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P