AD 96-24-12

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

AD Number
96-24-12
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
96-NM-140-AD
FR Citation
This information is not available.
Technical illustration of an aircraft flight control surface and actuator
Problem area Flight controls

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-101 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-102 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-201 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-202 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-211 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-212 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
aircraft ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional ATR72-212A Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Fatigue cracking of the pitch uncoupling mechanism and the torque tube of the elevator could result in uncommanded uncoupling of the elevators.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Modify the elevator uncoupling mechanism in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1044. Do not install pitch uncoupling mechanisms with specified part numbers listed in the AD.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings, or within 1,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Aerospatiale Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212 series airplanes on which Modification 4495 or Service Bulletin ATR 72-27-1044 has not been accomplished.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

Elevator Uncoupling Mechanism

Applicability Source Text

Show captured applicability text from the source AD
AD Final Rules - DRS_96-24-12.html
Copy URL
Print/Save as PDF
Document Versions
 Feedback
Details
AD Number:
96-24-12
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
96-NM-140-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
Subject:
Elevator Uncoupling Mechanism
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
Effective Date:
12/31/1996
Make:
ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional
Model:
ATR72-101 | ATR72-102 | ATR72-201 | ATR72-202 | ATR72-211 | ATR72-212 | ATR72-212A
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Large Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [61 FR 60018 NO. 229 11/26/96]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 96-24-12
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   96-NM-140-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-9836

AD NUMBER:   96-24-12

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

ACTION:   Final rule.

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes, that requires modification of the pitch uncoupling mechanism of both elevators. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the pitch uncoupling mechanism and the torque tube of the elevator. Failure of the pitch uncoupling mechanism due to fatigue cracking could result in the uncommanded uncoupling of the elevators. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking and subsequent uncommanded uncoupling of the elevators, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:   Effective December 31, 1996. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 31, 1996.

ADDRESSES:   The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Gary Lium, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-1112; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42825). That action proposed to require modification of the elevator uncoupling mechanism.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 51 Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 55 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $168,300, or $3,300 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
96-24-12 AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39-9836. Docket 96-NM-140-AD.

Applicability: Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, and -212 series airplanes on which Modification 4495 or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR 72-27-1044 has not been accomplished; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent uncoupling of the elevators due to failure of the elevator coupling mechanism and resultant reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings, or within 1,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Modify the elevator uncoupling mechanism in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1044, dated March 5, 1996.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a pitch uncoupling mechanism of the elevator, having the following part numbers, on any airplane:

S2738194100800
S2738194102895
S2738194102200
S2738194102400
S2738194102800
S2738194103200

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The modification shall be done in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1044, dated March 5, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 31, 1996.

FOOTER:

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)
AD Final Rules - DRS_96-24-12.html
Copy URL
Print/Save as PDF
Document Versions
 Feedback
Details
AD Number:
96-24-12
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
96-NM-140-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes
Subject:
Elevator Uncoupling Mechanism
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
Effective Date:
12/31/1996
Make:
ATR - GIE Avions de Transport R gional
Model:
ATR72-101 | ATR72-102 | ATR72-201 | ATR72-202 | ATR72-211 | ATR72-212 | ATR72-212A
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Large Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [61 FR 60018 NO. 229 11/26/96]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 96-24-12
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   96-NM-140-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-9836

AD NUMBER:   96-24-12

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

ACTION:   Final rule.

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes, that requires modification of the pitch uncoupling mechanism of both elevators. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the pitch uncoupling mechanism and the torque tube of the elevator. Failure of the pitch uncoupling mechanism due to fatigue cracking could result in the uncommanded uncoupling of the elevators. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking and subsequent uncommanded uncoupling of the elevators, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:   Effective December 31, 1996. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 31, 1996.

ADDRESSES:   The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Gary Lium, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-1112; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42825). That action proposed to require modification of the elevator uncoupling mechanism.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 51 Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 55 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $168,300, or $3,300 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
96-24-12 AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39-9836. Docket 96-NM-140-AD.

Applicability: Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, and -212 series airplanes on which Modification 4495 or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR 72-27-1044 has not been accomplished; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent uncoupling of the elevators due to failure of the elevator coupling mechanism and resultant reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings, or within 1,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Modify the elevator uncoupling mechanism in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1044, dated March 5, 1996.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a pitch uncoupling mechanism of the elevator, having the following part numbers, on any airplane:

S2738194100800
S2738194102895
S2738194102200
S2738194102400
S2738194102800
S2738194103200

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The modification shall be done in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-27-1044, dated March 5, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 31, 1996.

FOOTER:

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.