AD 98-09-16 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR-42 and ATR-72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR-42, ATR-72 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model ATR-42 and ATR-72 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 (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 failure of the second of two direct current (DC) generators after the failure of the first generator, which could lead to the loss of main battery power and result in the loss of all electrical power, except the emergency battery supply, during flight, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statements. This action may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. `` In the event of failure of either DC generator during flight, do not attempt to reset the affected DC generator. In the event of failure of both DC generators during flight, one attempt to reset each of the generators may be made, as follows: --If the first attempt to reset a generator is successful, do not attempt to reset the other generator. --If the first attempt to reset a generator is not successful, one attempt to reset the other generator may be made. --If neither attempt to reset the generators is successful, land at the nearest suitable airport.'' (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 requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then [[Page 20066]] 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed French telegraphic airworthiness directives T98-148-076(B) and T98-149-038(B), both dated March 20, 1998. (d) This amendment becomes effective on May 8, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-10918 Filed 4-22-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U