Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18645 · Equipment/furnishings
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) on which ATR Modification 6518 has been embodied in production, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 has been embodied in production.
(2) ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR72-212A airplanes on which ATR Modification 6517 has been embodied in production, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 has been embodied in production.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. This AD requires measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors; and modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are issuing this AD to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail, which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation.
For all airplanes, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7152 has been embodied in production and except airplanes having MSN 1002, 1005, 1089, 1094, 1095, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, or 1102: Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, measure the gap between each Type III Emergency Exit door, left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH), and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail by unlocking and slightly rotating the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit doors with the doors remaining on the lower fittings. Use a shim gauge 6 millimeters (mm) (0.236 inch) thick, to measure the gap between the internal skin of the doors and the relevant fittings, part numbers (P/N) S2522924620000 (LH fitting) and P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting).
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Illustrations may be found in the applicable ATR Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) 25-23-02, figure 87, item 90/100.
Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: It might be necessary to pull on the door blanket to correctly see the door internal skin.
During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1)(d) of the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, remove the fitting having P/N S2522924620000 (LH fitting) or P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting), and measure the gap between the internal skin of the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
(1) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this AD, it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
(2) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this AD, it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, repair using 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).
Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the overhead stowage compartments, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 2014.
(2) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 2014.
(3) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 2014.
(4) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 2014.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
