Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes, that requires a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection to detect cracking of the lower fuselage structure, and repair, if necessary. This amendment also requires modification of certain fastener holes in the lower fuselage structure. 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 reduced structural integrity of the airplane due to fatigue cracking in the lower fuselage structure.