AD 93-16-01

93-16-01 AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39-8658. Docket 92-NM-218-AD.

Applicability: Model ATR72-100 and -200 series airplanes, equipped with main landing gear (MLG) side braces having part number (P/N) D23207000 or D23207000-1, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent collapse of the landing gear, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 7,500 landings on the MLG side brace or within the next 100 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace any side brace having P/N D23207000 or D23207000-1 with a repaired or modified side brace having P/N D23207000-2, in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-32-1011, dated August 7, 1992.

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

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-32-1011, dated August 7, 1992. 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 7, 1993.