AD 2004-03-18 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500 series, ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 series airplanes on which ATR Modification 5338 has not been done; and Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A series airplanes on which ATR Modification 5337 has not been done; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the spacer base of the swinging lever spacers in the left and right leg assemblies of the main landing gear (MLG) and consequent asymmetrical braking, which could result in the airplane overrunning the runway during takeoff or landing, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Replace the swinging lever spacers in the left and right leg assemblies of the MLG with new, improved spacers, per Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-32-0094 or ATR72-32-1042, both dated November 26, 2001, as applicable. Do the replacement at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320, and Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A series airplanes: Do the replacement at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total landings or 8 years in-service on new or overhauled swinging lever spacers, whichever is first. (ii) Within 3,000 landings after the effective date of this AD. (2) For Model ATR42-500 series airplanes: Do the replacement before the accumulation of 18,000 total landings or 9 years in-service on new or overhauled swinging lever spacers, whichever is first. (b) Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-166, dated November 28, 2001 (for Model ATR42 series airplanes); or 631-32-165, dated November 27, 2001 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes), may be used for accomplishment of the replacement required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-32-0094, dated November 26, 2001; or Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-32-1042, dated November 26, 2001; 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 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2001-614-089(B) and 2001-615-062(B), both dated December 26, 2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 17, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-2574 Filed 2-10-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P