AD 98-08-08 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 Series Airplanes

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

Model ATR42-500 series airplanes, as listed in Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0103, dated September 23, 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 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 (b) 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 fatigue cracking in the skin of the fuselage, which could result in loss of pressure inside the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to verify the installation of stringer clips at the junction of frame 34 and stringer 6, on the left and right side of the airplane. (1) If the stringer clips have been installed, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any stringer clip has not been installed, prior to further flight, install the stringer clip, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0103, dated September 23, 1996. (b) 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 request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (c) 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. (d) The installation shall be done in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR42-53-0103, dated September 23, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 96-132-065(B), dated July 3, 1996. (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 27, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 1998. Stewart R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-9343 Filed 4-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U