Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18357 · ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-09-16. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. This AD was prompted by several reports of a cracked floor beam at frame (FR) 26, and of discrepancies in certain wing inspection tasks in maintenance documents that could lead to errors in scheduling inspection intervals of structurally significant items (SSIs). This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain floor beams and revision of the maintenance or inspection program to include inspections of several areas of the wings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any cracking of the floor beam at FR 26 and several areas of the wings, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(1) For all Model ATR42 airplanes: At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles, accomplish a detailed inspection for damage (cracks, corrosion, dents, scratches, scores and abrasions) of the floor beam at FR 26, on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, in accordance with the instructions of ATR Job Instruction Card 535100 DVI 10097, “DVI of FR26 Floor Beam Around Cut-outs for Cooling & Hydrau Ducts,” dated February 9, 2012 (for Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes).
(i) Before the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles.
(ii) Within 5,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any damage (corrosion or scratches that are greater than allowed, cracks, dents, scores and abrasions) is found: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
For Model ATR42 airplanes on which ATR modification 02805 was not embodied in production: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the SSI tasks and compliance times identified in table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.
| For Model— | Use SSI Task— | At this initial time— | And repeat at intervals not to exceed— |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR-42-500 airplanes | 572301-1 or -3, as applicable | Before 45,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 7,300 flight cycles. |
| ATR-42-500 airplanes | 572305 | Before 46,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 3,900 flight cycles. |
| ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes | 572301-1, or -4, as applicable | Before 45,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 7,300 flight cycles. |
| ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes | 572305-1 | Before 46,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 3,900 flight cycles. |
| ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes | 572409 | Before 42,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 9,000 flight cycles. |
| ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes | 572410, 572411, 572412, 572413, 572414, and 572415 | Before 43,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 10,000 flight cycles. |
| ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes | 572416 and 572417 | Before 44,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later | 7,300 flight cycles. |
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: For ATR42-500 airplanes, additional guidance for the maintenance or inspection program revision may be found in the ATR ATR 42-400/-500 Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 13, dated November 30, 2011.
Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: For ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes, additional guidance for the maintenance or inspection program revision may be found in the ATR ATR 42-200/-300/-320 Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 13, dated November 30, 2011.
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
