Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, and ATR42-320 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-300 and ATR42-320 series airplanes, that currently requires inspections to determine the proper installation of rivets in certain key holes and to detect cracks in the area of the key holes where rivets are missing; and correction of discrepancies. This amendment increases the compliance time for the existing requirements and expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. This action also requires various inspections of the subject area for discrepancies, and corrective actions, if necessary; and replacement of certain cargo door hinges with new hinges. For certain airplanes, this action also requires replacement of friction plates, stop fittings, and bolts with new parts. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracks of the cargo door skin, certain frames, and entry door stop fittings and friction plates, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.