AD 2006-17-06

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

The term “service bulletin,” as used in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model ATR42-500 series airplanes); and Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated November 13, 2002 (for Model ATR72-212A series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) For Model ATR72-212A series airplanes: Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, dated October 11, 2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

(2) Where the service bulletins specify to report inspection results to the manufacturer, this AD does not require such reporting.

Within 500 flight hours after July 22, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-12-13): Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Repeat this inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours until the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”

Before further flight following the initial detailed inspection for cracking required by paragraph (g) of this AD, measure the planarity of the upper closing rib and measure the gap between the rudder horn and the upper closing rib of the vertical fin; per paragraphs 2.C.(2) and 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.

(i) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD; or if any wave, anomaly, or measurement is found that is outside the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, do all applicable actions in and per paragraph 2.C.(4) of the applicable service bulletin; except, where the applicable service bulletin says to contact the manufacturer for an approved repair solution, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent).

Within 4,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Modify the installation of the vertical leading edge fairing at the fin tip (including doing the detailed inspection for cracking, misplacement, or deformation of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin) by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0012, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2005 (for Model ATR42-500 airplanes); or ATR72-55-1004, Revision 3, dated September 23, 2005 (for Model ATR72-212 airplanes); as applicable; except where the service bulletins specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Accomplishment of this modification terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Note 2: Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0012 refers to Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model ATR42-500 airplanes), as the appropriate source of service information for doing the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1004 refers to Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, dated November 13, 2002 (for Model ATR72-212 airplanes), as the appropriate source of service information for doing the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

Modifying the installation of the vertical leading edge fairing at the fin tip is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with one of the following service bulletins: