2011-23-10: Stabilizers

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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 AD: 2011-23-10 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 39-16861. Docket No. FAA-2011-0721; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM- 217-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 15, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) up to MSN 643 inclusive; and Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, all MSNs up to MSN 728 inclusive; certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: One ATR operator has experienced in-flight elevator travel limitations with unusual effort being necessary on pitch axis to control the aeroplane, while the ``pitch mistrim'' message appeared on the ADU [advisory display unit] display. The elevators seemed to be jammed. During the post-flight inspection, it was discovered that the LH [left-hand] elevator lower stop assembly was broken at the level of the angles, which may have prevented the elevator to respond normally to the flight control input. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to reduced control of the aeroplane. * * * * * Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Actions (g) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the inboard hinge fitting area and a detailed inspection of lower stop angles of the inboard hinge fittings on both LH and right-hand (RH) elevators, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0014, dated May 11, 2010; or Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-55- 1006, dated May 11, 2010; as applicable. (1) If any damaged angle is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace the damaged angles with serviceable parts and accomplish a detailed inspection of the adjacent areas to detect any damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0014, dated May 11, 2010; or Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-55- 1006, dated May 11, 2010; as applicable. (2) If any damage is detected in adjacent areas during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair the damage using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). (h) Submit a report of the findings (damaged angles found on the LH and RH side elevator) of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to ATR Engineering, Service Bulletin Group, 1 Allee Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. The report must include the MSN, accomplishment date, registration number, number of flights, flight hours, inspection results, and performed actions. In addition, return any damaged lower stop angles to ATR Engineering, Service Bulletin Group, 1 Allee Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France. (1) If the inspectionwas done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. [[Page 70046]] (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (i) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200. Related Information (j) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0138, dated July 1, 2010; Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0014, dated May 11, 2010; and Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service BulletinATR72-55-1006, dated May 11, 2010; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0014, dated May 11, 2010; or Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1006, dated May 11, 2010; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR-- GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.aerochain.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.