AD 2004-12-13 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-500, ATR72-212A series, ATR42-500 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes; certificated in any category; on which Aerospatiale Modification 4440 has been accomplished; except those Model ATR42-500 series airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 618 and subsequent; and except those Model ATR72-212A series airplanes having S/Ns 682, 683, 684, 687, and 694 and subsequent.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent interference between the upper closing rib and the rudder, which could result in a rudder jam and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Service Bulletin References (a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model ATR42-500 series airplanes); and Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated November 13, 2002 (for Model ATR72-212A series airplanes); as applicable. (1) For Model ATR72-212A series airplanes: Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, dated October 11, 2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD. (2) Where the service bulletins specify to report inspection results to the manufacturer, this AD does not require such reporting. Repetitive Inspections (b) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Repeat this inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Note 2: There is no terminating action available at this time for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. One-Time Follow-On Inspections (c) Before further flight following the initial detailed inspection for cracking required by paragraph (b) of this AD, measure the planarity of the upper closing rib and measure the gap between the rudder horn and the upper closing rib of the vertical fin; per paragraphs 2.C.(2) and 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Repair (d) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD; or if any wave, anomaly, or measurement is found that is outside the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, do all applicable actions in and per paragraph 2.C.(4) of the applicable service bulletin; except, where the applicable service bulletin says to contact the manufacturer for an approved repair solution, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated September 26, 2002; or Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated November 13, 2002; as applicable. Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, dated November 13, 2002, contains the following effective pages: Page number Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 2, 4, 5, 13 1 November 13, 2002. 3, 6-12 Original October 11, 2002. 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2002-506(B) R1, dated December 24, 2002. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-13499 Filed 6-16-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P