AD 97-25-18 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 Series Airplanes

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

Model ATR42 series airplanes as identified in Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0081, dated July 16, 1996, and Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0082, dated July 16, 1996; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (d) 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 wear of the landing gear attachment pins, which could result in collapse of the main landing gear (MLG), accomplish the following: (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove the MLG leg hinge pins and side brace assembly center pins having the part numbers (P/N) specified in paragraph C.(2) of Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0081, dated July 16, 1996; and replace the pins with serviceable pins, in accordance with the Aerospatiale service bulletin and Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. 631-32-127, Revision 1, dated October 22, 1996. (b) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 landings since the last overhaul of the MLG, or within 8 years time-in-service since the last overhaul of the MLG, whichever occurs first, remove the MLG swinging lever/barrel pins and shock absorber universal joint hinge pins having the P/N's specified in paragraph C.(2) of Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0082, dated July 16, 1996; and replace the pins with serviceable pins, in accordance with the Aerospatiale service bulletin and Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. 631-32-128, Revision 1, dated November 15, 1996. Note 2: Serviceable pins include those that have been removed, inspected and marked with green paint in accordance with Messier- Dowty Service Bulletin No. 631-32-127, Revision 1, dated October 22, 1996; or Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. 631-32-128, Revision 1, dated November 15, 1996; as applicable. (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install any MLG pin having a part number identified in Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0081, dated July 16, 1996, or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. ATR42-32-0082, dated July 16, 1996, on any airplane unless that pin is considered to be serviceable in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (d) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (e) 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. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Aerospatiale and Messier Dowty service bulletins, which contain the following spcified list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin revision and Revision level shown on date Page No. page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aerospatiale ATR42-32-0081, 1-7........................ Original.................. July 16, 1996. July 16, 1996. Aerospatiale, ATR42-32-0082, 1-6........................ Original.................. July 16, 1996. July 16, 1996. Messier Dowty, 631-32-127, 1-15, 19-31................ 1......................... Oct. 22, 1996. Revision 1, October 22, 1996. 16-18...................... Original.................. July 18, 1996. Messier Dowty, 631-32-128, 1-11, 13-22................ 1......................... Nov. 15, 1996 Revision 1, November 15, 1996. 12......................... Original.................. July 18, 1996. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed issued French airworthiness directive 96-131-064(B), dated July 3, 1996. (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 20, 1998. [[Page 65606]] Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 1997. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-32432 Filed 12-12-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U