Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42- 200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings; and repair, if necessary. This proposal also would require modification of the panels and a follow-on inspection to detect cracking of the modified areas, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.