Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA), Model CN-235 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33014-33016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-15210]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-262-AD; Amendment 39-12274; AD 2001-12-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. 
(CASA), Model CN-235 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain CASA Model CN-

[[Page 33015]]

235 series airplanes, that requires modification of the rigging of the 
engine control cable assembly and replacement of either the entire 
engine control cable assembly or a segment of the control cables. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information issued by a foreign airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue of the engine 
control cables, leading to breakage of the cables, which could result 
in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 25, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 25, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A., Getafe, Madrid, Spain. 
This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain CASA Model CN-235 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2001 (66 
FR 15363). That action proposed to require modification of the rigging 
of the engine control cable assembly and replacement of either the 
entire engine control cable assembly or a segment of the control 
cables.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule, as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 2 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required modification, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the required modification on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $960, or $480 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 47 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required replacement of either the engine 
control cable assembly or a segment of the control cables, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,444 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the required modification on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $8,528, or $4,264 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-12-18  Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
12274. Docket 2000-NM-262-AD.

    Applicability: Model CN-235 series airplanes, serial numbers 
C001 to C074, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fatigue of the engine control cables, leading to 
breakage of the engine control cables, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD: Rig the 
power lever and condition lever control stops, in accordance with 
CASA COM 235-140, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000.

Replacement

    (b) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or 
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later: Replace either the entire engine control cable 
assembly (part number 7-44728-12) with a new assembly or replace a 
segment of the control cable (part number

[[Page 33016]]

72830-20) with a new segment, in accordance with CASA COM 235-140, 
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with CASA COM 235-
140, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A., Getafe, Madrid, 
Spain. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Spanish 
airworthiness directive 03/00, dated March 2000.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-15210 Filed 6-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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