AD 98-13-01 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-300, -320 series, ATR72-102, -202, -212 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-300 and -320 series airplanes, on which Aerospatiale Modification 1878, 2482, 3193, or 8154 has not been installed, or on which simultaneous installation of Modifications 0481 and 0588 has not been accomplished; and Model ATR72-102, -202, and -212 series airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2482, 3193, or 4648 has not been installed; 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 (c) 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 blockage of the access door, which could restrict access for crewmembers between the flight deck and the passenger compartment during normal operations or an emergency evacuation, accomplish the following: (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing cargo nets with new improved cargo nets, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Model ATR-42 series airplanes: Accomplish replacement of cargo nets in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0108, dated January 24, 1997; or Revision 1, dated February 28, 1997; or Revision 2, dated July 1, 1997. (2) For Model ATR-72 series airplanes: Accomplish replacement of cargo nets in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1052, dated February 11, 1997; or Revision 1, dated July 1, 1997. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane any cargo net having one of the following part numbers: 5366, 5367, 5370, 5375, or 5579. [[Page 32611]] (c) 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 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. (d) 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. (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with the following Avions de Transport Regional service bulletins, which contain the specified effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin referenced and Revision level shown on date Page No. shown on page page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATR42-25-0108.................... 1-9...................... Original................ Jan. 24, 1997. ATR42-25-0108, Revision 1, 1-3, 5-7................. 1....................... Feb. 28, 1997. February 28, 1997. 4, 8, 9.................. Original................ Jan. 24, 1997. ATR42-25-0108, Revision 2, July 1, 2, 4.................. 2....................... July 1, 1997. 1, 1997. 3, 5, 6, 7.............. 1....................... Feb. 28, 1997. 8, 9..................... Original................ Jan. 24, 1997. ATR72-25-1052.................... 1-7...................... Original................ Feb. 11, 1997. ATR72-25-1052, Revision 1, July 1, 3..................... 1....................... July 1, 1997. 1, 1997. 2, 4-7................... Original................ Feb. 11, 1997. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 directives 96-289-069(B)R1 and 96-288-032(B)R1, both dated December 18, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 1998. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15784 Filed 6-12-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P