AD 86-20-02

86-20-02 AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39-5429. Applies to Model ATR-42 airplanes, certificated in any category. Compliance is required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent uncommanded pitch excursions from occurring during flight in icing conditions at a flap setting of 45 degrees, accomplish the following:

A. Within seven days after effective date of this AD, incorporate the following into the Limitations Section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This may be accomplished by including a copy of this AD in the AFM. "Flap extension in excess of 30 degrees is not authorized during any normal or abnormal flight conditions. During an emergency landing or ditching, as required by the flight crew, flap 45 degrees may be used."

B. Within 21 days after effective date of AD, apply temporary Scotchcal adhesive labels to the speed limits placard and to the flaps control sector markings, to provide VFE and approach/landing settings consistent with the limitations required in paragraph A., above, in accordance with Aerospatiale (ATR) Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0004, dated September 3, 1986.

C. No later than December 1, 1986, replace previously installed temporary adhesive labels with permanent engraved labels with the same markings, and install a stop on the flaps control in accordance with Aerospatiale (ATR) Service Bulletin ATR42-27-0004, dated September 3, 1986.

NOTE: The mechanical stop which precludes the normal use of flaps 45 degree operations may be removed in case of emergency ditching or emergency landing, when, at the discretion of the flight crew, additional safety would be provided by using flaps 45 degrees.

D. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

E. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of the requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service information from the manufacturer, may obtain copies upon request to Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse Cedex 03, France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.

This amendment becomes effective October 15, 1986.