AD 2006-16-08 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 Airplanes

This AD applies to airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category. Table 1.—Applicability Aerospatiale model Manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) (1) ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes Up to MSN 645 inclusive. (2) ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes Up to MSN 730 inclusive, excluding MSN 723.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. General Visual Inspection and Corrective Action (f) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the locking bolt of the upper attachment pin of the shock absorber on both MLGs for the correct installation of the locking bolt and for any missing locking bolt, washer, nut, cotter pin, or compound; and before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 631-32-190, dated July 12, 2006, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (g) Where Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 631-32-190, dated July 12, 2006, specifies contacting Messier-Dowty for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the locking bolt using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (i) EASA emergency airworthiness directive 2006-0216-E, dated July 14, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 631-32-190, dated July 12, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Messier Services, Customer Support Center (CSC) Americas, 45360 Severn Way, Sterling, Virginia 20166-8910, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 28, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-12726 Filed 8-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of migration and subsequent rupture of the attachment pin of the shock absorber of a main landing gear (MLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a MLG, which could result in significant structural damage to the airplane and possible injury to the occupants.