AD 97-15-02 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 Series Airplanes

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

All Model ATR42 series airplanes and Model ATR72 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (e) 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 deformation of the attachment clips on the wing-to- fuselage fairings and on the upper cowlings of the engine nacelle, which could result in the fairing and cowlings detaching from the airplane during flight and subsequently causing damage to the empennage or posing a hazard to persons or property on the ground, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the upper cowlings of the engine nacelle to ensure that all attachment screws, clips, and other attachment hardware is secure, and that the fairing panel contains no visible cracks, tears, delamination, or other damage. (b) If no discrepancy is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Model ATR42 series airplanes on which Modification 2601 (Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0063) has been installed: Replace the existing attachment clips at the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the engine nacelle upper cowlings with new attachment clips, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53- 0081, Revision 1, dated December 9, 1994. (2) For Model ATR42 series airplanes on which Modification 2601 (Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0063) has not been installed: Install cup washers (NAS1169C10) on the wing-to-fuselage fairing panels, and replace the existing attachment clips at the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the engine nacelle upper cowlings with new attachment clips, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0082, dated June 6, 1994. (3) For Model ATR72 series airplanes on which Modification 2601 (Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53-1008) has been installed: Replace the existing attachment clips at the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the engine nacelle upper cowlings with new attachment clips, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53- 1043, Revision 1, dated December 9, 1994. (4) For Model ATR72 series airplanes on which Modification 2601 (Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53-1008) has not been installed: Install cup washers (NAS1169C10) on the wing-to-fuselage fairing panels, and replace the existing attachment clips at the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the engine nacelle upper cowlings with new attachment clips, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53-1044, dated June 6, 1994. (c) If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, remove the fairing panel, and perform a detailed visual inspection to detect cracks, tears, delamination, or other visible signs of damage of the fairing panel. (1) If no discrepancy is found during the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (c) of this AD, prior to further flight, reinstall the panel and accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) of this AD, as applicable. No further action is required by this AD. (2) If any discrepancy is found during the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (c) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the fairing panel with a serviceable panel, and install the panel on the airplane in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) of this AD, as applicable. No further action is required by this AD. (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install an attachment clip, part number S5391010000000 or part number S5391009400000, on any airplane. (e) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (f) 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. (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Aerospatiale service bulletins, which contains the specified effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin referenced and Revision level shown on date Page number page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATR42-53-0081, Revision 1, 1-3.................. 1....................... December 9, 1994. December 9, 1994. 4-15................. Original................ June 6, 1994. ATR42-53-0082, June 6, 1994...... 1-31................. Original................ June 6, 1994. ATR72-53-1043, Revision 1, 1, 2................. 1....................... December 9, 1994. December 9, 1994. 3-15................. Original................ June 6, 1994. ATR72-53-1044, June 6, 1994...... 1-38................. Original................ June 6, 1994. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37710]] 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 7, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-18202 Filed 7-14-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U