AD 2020-07-19 Prompted By Occurrences Of Smoke In The Flight Deck

The FAA has published an AD that applies to ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Regional Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0290, dated November 29, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0290”).

This AD was prompted by occurrences of smoke in the flight deck and flap extension difficulties due to wire chafing on the electrical harness under panel 295CL, on rib 4 of the left-hand side of the wing rear spar. The FAA is issuing this AD to address wire chafing, which may lead to wire failure (cut or shorted) and uncontrolled fire with potential loss of multiple systems, and could possibly result in reduced control of the airplane.

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District  Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Regional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0290 that contains RC procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

FMI: www.faa.gov