[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13436-13438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06270]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). This proposed AD would 
require repetitive detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for 
cracks, and replacement if necessary. This proposed AD would also 
provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Safran 
Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral 
Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; phone: 
+33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: www.safran-landing-systems.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0172, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    Occurences were reported of finding cracked universal joints (U-
joints) Part Number (P/N) D56805, P/N D56805-2, P/N D61036 and P/N 
D62050. Subsequent investigation identified a batch of affected U-
joints which were subjected to a possible non-detected thermal abuse 
done during the grinding process by the U-joint manufacturer in 
production, or by a maintenance organization during overhaul and/or 
repair.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAFRAN Landing 
Systems (SLS), published Service Bulletin (SB) 631-32-249 for MLGs 
fitted on ATR42-200, ATR42-300 and ATR42-320; SB 631-32-250 for MLGs 
fitted on ATR42-400 and ATR42-500; and SB 631-32-251 for MLGs fitted 
on ATR72 (all models), to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVI) of the affected U-
joints for cracks, and, depending on findings, replacement with a 
serviceable part [and provides an optional terminating action].

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Safran Landing Systems has issued Service Bulletin 631-32-249, 
Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, Revision 1, 
dated June 26, 2017. The service information describes procedures for 
detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for cracking, and 
replacement if necessary. These documents are distinct since they apply 
to different airplane models. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or

[[Page 13437]]

develop on other products of these same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 62 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Cost on  U.S.
          Action                 Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per  product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...............  1 work-hour x $85 per               $0  $85 per inspection      $5,270 per inspection
                            hour = $85 per                          cycle.                  cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $14,083         $14,763
                                                 $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 14, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and Model ATR72-
101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking in MLG U-joints, which could lead 
to MLG structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected U-joint is any U-
joint identified by part number (P/N) and serial number in the 
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

[[Page 13438]]

    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 1, dated June 
26, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems 
Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is an 
affected U-joint, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
released to service by Safran Landing Systems, free of defect, with 
the letter ``V'' added on the part (on the identification plate, or 
in the vicinity of the P/N marking); or a new (never installed) U-
joint; or a U-joint repaired as specified in the applicable 
component maintenance manual (CMM) identified in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii).
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems CMM 32-18-28, Rev. 10 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-30, Rev. 8, both dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-45, Rev. 5 or Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-63, Rev. 6, 
both dated June 2, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-34, Rev. 9, dated 
June 2, 2017.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 3 months or 500 flight cycles (FC), whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 FC: Do a detailed inspection for damage 
or cracking of each affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any damaged or cracked U-joint is found, before further flight: 
Replace the U-joint of the affected MLG with a serviceable part, as 
defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this 
AD.

(j) Terminating Action

    Replacement on an airplane of all affected U-joints, as 
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, with serviceable parts, 
as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, unless it is a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD.

(l) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletins identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and 
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0172, dated September 7, 
2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0167.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud-7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral 
Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; 
phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: www.safran-landing-systems.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 15, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06270 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


