AD 98-15-12 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42 and ATR72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-300, -320, -500 series, ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, -212A series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-300, -320, and -500 series airplanes, as listed in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-21- 0069, dated February 5, 1998; and Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A series airplanes, as listed in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-21-1048, dated February 5, 1998; 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 (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 overheating and consequent failure of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter capacitors, which could result in emission of toxic smoke and fumes throughout the airplane, and consequent adverse effects on flight crew and passengers, accomplish the following: (a) Within 11 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to detect damage of the EMI filter capacitors and electronic cards of the cabin air recirculation fan of the right and left air-conditioning packs, in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42- 21-0069, dated February 5, 1998 (for Model ATR42 series airplanes), or ATR72-21-1048, dated February 5, 1998 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes), as applicable. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, modify and re-identify each fan assembly, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, replace the damaged components with new or serviceable components, and modify and re-identify the fan assembly, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Note 2: Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-21- 0069, dated February 5, 1998 (for Model ATR42 series airplanes), and ATR72-21-1048, dated February 5, 1998 (for Model ATR72 series airplanes), reference EG&G Rotron Service Bulletin 011232500-21-1, dated December 12, 1997, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the modification. (b) As the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a cabin air-conditioning recirculation Rotron fan having part number (P/N) 011232500 Amend. A, or P/N 011494500 Amend. A, on the left or right air-conditioning pack. (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 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. (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 actions shall be done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-21-0069, dated February 5, 1998, or Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-21- 1048, dated February 5, 1998, as applicable. 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 in French airworthiness directives 98-070-074(B) and 98-073-037(B), both dated February 11, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 8, 1998. S.R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-18772 Filed 7-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U