2025-06-11: Stabilizers

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025-06-11 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional: Amendment 39-22999; Docket No. FAA-2024-2416; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00491-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0171, dated August 27, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0171). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of the possible use of improper material during the manufacturing of vertical stabilizer to horizontal stabilizer junction fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential usage of improper material during the manufacturing of vertical stabilizer to horizontal stabilizer junction fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0171. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0171 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0171 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0171 specifies to "accomplish a detailed visual inspection (DVI) of each affected part in accordance with the instructions of ATR Maintenance Procedure (MP) A-55-36-XX-02ZZZ-281Z-A" for this AD replace that text with "accomplish a detailed visual inspection (DVI) for damage of each affected part in accordance with the instructions of ATR Maintenance Procedure (MP) A-55-36-XX-02ZZZ-281Z-A, and before further flight repair any damage using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature." (3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0171 specifies to "accomplish a DVI of the affected part in accordance with the instructions of ATR MP A-55-36-XX-02ZZZ-281Z-A" for this AD replace that text with "accomplish a DVI for damage of the affected part in accordance with the instructions of ATR MP A-55-36-XX-02ZZZ-281Z-A, and before further flight repair any damage using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature." (4) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2024-0171 specifies to report inspection results to ATR within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) 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. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0171. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: [email protected] . Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3220; email: [email protected]. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0171, dated August 27, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected]. Issued on March 21, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-05297 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P