AD 2021-12-17 Prompted By Reports Of Defective Seat Tracks

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of defective seat tracks. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection of each affected part for deficiencies (sealant blockage and out of tolerance ligaments), and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 4, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0097R1, dated May 28, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0097R1) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-300, -320, -400, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes. Model ATR42-400 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2020 (85 FR 55619). The NPRM was prompted by reports of defective seat tracks. The NPRM proposed to require a detailed visual inspection of each affected part for deficiencies (sealant blockage and out of tolerance ligaments), and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0097R1.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address a structural failure of the seat track attachment during an emergency landing, possibly resulting in injury to occupants, and affecting emergency evacuation. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov