AD 2008-03-13 Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model ATR42-500 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to ATR Model ATR42-500 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except for airplanes modified in accordance with ATR modification numbers 05117, 05322, and 05791, or ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-1034, dated January 24, 2002.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Removal of Installation Blankets (f) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, remove the MPET insulation blankets installed on the left and the right sides of the airplane over frame 24 between stringers 5 and 14, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0155, dated April 10, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Related Information (h) EASA emergency airworthiness directive 2007-0106-E, dated April 18, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0155, dated April 10, 2007, 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 ATR, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-2004 Filed 2-4-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports indicating that burnt spots were found on the metallized polyethylene terephtalate (MPET) insulation blankets installed over frame 24. We are issuing this AD to ensure that MPET insulation blankets are removed over frame 24. Such MPET insulation blankets, if not removed, could propagate a small fire that is the result of an electrical arc and could lead to a much larger fire.