Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17367-17369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06622]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3636; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-043-AD; 
Amendment 39-18442; AD 2016-06-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly 
Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and 
CN-235-300 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the 
lugs of the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the right hand 
(RH) and left hand (LH) side ailerons. This AD requires a one-time non-
destructive test (NDT) inspection of the inboard and outboard control 
rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons for cracks and corrosion, 
and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracks and corrosion on the lugs of the inboard and outboard control 
rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons, which could lead to 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATE: This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact EADS-CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), 
Integrated Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: +34 91 585 55 84; 
fax: +34 91 585 55 05; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.eads.net. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-3636.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3636; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Defense and 
Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal

[[Page 17368]]

Register on September 28, 2015 (80 FR 58224). The NPRM was prompted by 
a report of cracks on the lugs of the inboard and outboard control rod 
fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons. The NPRM proposed to require a 
one-time NDT inspection of the inboard and outboard control rod 
fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons for cracks and corrosion, and 
repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracks and corrosion on the lugs of the inboard and outboard control 
rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons, which could lead to 
reduced controllability of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2015-0040, dated March 6, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, 
CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A CN-235 operator recently reported finding, during scheduled 
maintenance tasks, cracks on the lugs of the control rod fittings 
(inboard and outboard) of the ailerons [Right Hand (RH) and Left 
Hand (LH) side] of two aeroplanes. At the time of the finding, the 
two affected aeroplanes had accumulated between 16 000 and 17 000 
flight hours (FH), around 6 000 flight cycles and had been in 
service for 20 years. Following the investigation results, it was 
determined that these cracks were due to stress corrosion.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
aileron fittings failure, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition and verify the integrity of the 
fittings, EADS-CASA (Airbus Military) issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) CN235-57-0001 to provide instructions for a one-
time Non-Destructive (NDT) inspection of the affected fittings for 
cracks and corrosion.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time NDT inspection of the affected aileron fittings and, if 
discrepancies are detected, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s) [repair of any cracked or corroded parts].

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3636.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 58224, September 
28, 2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 58224, September 28, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 58224, September 28, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Defense and Space S.A. has issued Airbus Military Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) AOT-CN235-57-0001, Revision 1, dated March 
14, 2014. The service information describes procedures for a one-time 
NDT inspection of the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the 
RH and LH side ailerons for cracks and corrosion, and contacting Airbus 
Military for repair instructions. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 30 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $61,200, or $2,550 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-06-11 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-18442. Docket No. 
FAA-2015-3636; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-043-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known 
as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-
235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

[[Page 17369]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the lugs of the 
inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the right hand (RH) and 
left hand (LH) side ailerons. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks and corrosion on the lugs of the inboard and outboard 
control rod fittings of the RH and LH side ailerons, which could 
lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) One-Time Non-Destructive Test (NDT) Inspection

    (1) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD: Do a one-time NDT inspection of 
the inboard and outboard control rod fittings of the RH and LH side 
ailerons for cracks, and a one-time general visual inspection for 
corrosion, in accordance with Airbus Military Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) AOT-CN235-57-0001, Revision 1, dated March 14, 
2014.
    (i) Before exceeding 8,000 flight hours or 10 years since first 
flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If any crack or corrosion is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA) for approved repair instructions, and before further 
flight, accomplish the repair accordingly.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, 
the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA AD 2015-0040, dated March 6, 2015, for related information. 
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2015-3636.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Military Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) AOT-
CN235-57-0001, Revision 1, dated March 14, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS-
CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), Integrated 
Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: +34 91 585 55 84; 
fax: +34 91 585 55 05; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.eads.net.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 16, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06622 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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