Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15587 · Flight controls
ATR Model ATR42 Airplanes and Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, and -212 Airplanes
This AD applies to ATR Model ATR42 airplanes, certificated in any category, all models, all serial numbers, except airplanes which have received ATR modification 04372 (aileron spring tab) in production or ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0081 or Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0092 in service; and ATR Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, and -212 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, except airplanes which have received ATR modification 04373 (aileron spring tab) in production or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1045 in service.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Measure the hole diameter of the retainer of the aileron automatic tab bellcrank assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0098 or ATR72-27-1060, both dated December 19, 2006, as applicable. If the hole diameter is within specified limits, no further actions are required by paragraph (f) of this AD for that retainer.
(2) If any retainer exceeds the hole diameter limits specified in Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0098 or ATR72-27-1060, both dated December 19, 2006, as applicable, before further flight, replace the retainer with a retainer that meets hole diameter limits, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. For any airplane for which a replacement retainer is not available, before further flight, do a GVI for discrepancies of the bolt and fasteners of the bellcrank assembly. If any discrepancies of the bolt and fasteners are found, replace the retainer before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. If no discrepancies are found, replace the retainer no later than 2 flight days after the hole measurement, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a GVI is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
