AD 98-21-10 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR42-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR42-200 and -300 series airplanes on which Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletins ATR42-57-0040, dated April 21, 1994, and ATR42-57-0038, Revision 2, dated December 18, 1997, have not been accomplished; except for those airplanes on which ATR Modification 2805 has been accomplished; 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 fatigue cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings between ribs 13 and 18, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 25,500 total landings, or within 500 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an ultrasonic inspection for cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings, in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0040, dated April 21, 1994. If any crack is detected, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 9,000 landings. (b) Prior to the accumulation of 32,500 total landings, or within 500 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the lower skin panels of the outer wings, and perform a follow-on high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the modified areas, in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0038, Revision 2, dated December 18, 1997. If any crack is detected, prior to further flight, [[Page 53800]] repair it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Accomplishment of the modification and follow-on HFEC inspection constitutes terminating action for the repetitive ultrasonic inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (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. 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) Except for the repairs provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the following Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletins, which contain the specified list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin referenced and Page number shown on Revision level shown on date page page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATR42-57-0040, April 21, 1994.. 1-15................... Original.................. April 21, 1994. ATR42-57-0038, Revision 2, 1-11, 21, 31-36 53, 55. 2......................... December 18, 1997. December 18, 1997. 18, 22, 27, 28, 37, 38, 1......................... December 20, 1995. 51, 52, 56, 57. 12-17, 19, 20, 23-26, Original.................. December 19, 1994. 29, 30, 39-50, 54. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 93-190-051(B), dated October 27, 1993. (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-26660 Filed 10-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U