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

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 718-720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30842]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-AD; 
Amendment 39-18761; AD 2016-26-03]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-23-02 for 
all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, 
CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. AD 2013-23-02 required an inspection 
of the feeder cables of certain fuel booster pumps for damage 
(including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel 
leaks), and replacement if necessary. This new AD retains those 
requirements and also requires modification of the electrical 
installation of the fuel booster pumps. This AD was prompted by a 
report of an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 8, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 8, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
December 2, 2013 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact EADS CASA (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering 
Support, Avenida de Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: 
+34 91 585 55 84; fax: +34 91 585 31 27; email: 
[email protected]. 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-2016-9109.

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-2016-
9109; 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 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 to supersede AD 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, 
November 15, 2013) (``AD 2013-23-02''). AD 2013-23-02 applied to all 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-
235-300, and C-295 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on September 19, 2016 (81 FR 64080). The NPRM was prompted by 
a report of an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. The 
NPRM proposed to continue to require an inspection of the feeder cables 
of certain fuel booster pumps for damage (including, but not limited 
to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks), and replacement if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require modification of the 
electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent damage to certain fuel booster pumps, which could create 
an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel 
tank explosion and consequent loss 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 
2016-0014, dated January 14, 2016 (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, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    An occurrence with a CN-235 aeroplane was reported, involving an 
in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. The results of the 
subsequent investigation revealed damage on the fuel booster pump 
electrical feeding cable and some burn marks on the pump body and 
plate (fairing) at the external side of the fuel tank; confirmed 
electrical arcing between the wire and pump body; and revealed fuel 
leakage onto the affected wire.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could create an 
ignition source in the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting in 
a fuel tank explosion and loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EADS CASA (Airbus 
Military) issued All Operators Letter (AOL) 235-025 and AOL 295-025, 
providing inspection instructions for the affected fuel booster 
pumps, Part Number (P/N) 1C12-34 and P/N 1C12-46.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2013-0186 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2013-23-02] to require a one-time [detailed visual] inspection of 
the affected fuel booster pumps to detect damage and, depending on 
findings, replacement of the fuel booster pump. That [EASA] AD also 
required reporting of all findings to EADS CASA for evaluation.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus Defence and Space (D&S) 
developed [a] modification of the fuel boost pump electrical 
installation, available for in-service application through Airbus 
D&S Service Bulletin (SB) 235-28-0023. That modification involves 
improved protection of the output of affected fuel pump harness 
avoiding undesired electrical contacts and preventing potential 
arcing between the affected harness and metallic parts of the fuel 
boost cover.
    For the reasons described above this [EASA] AD partially retains 
the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0186, which is superseded, and 
requires modification of the fuel pump electrical installation.

    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-2016-
9109.

[[Page 719]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

    Airbus Defense and Space has issued Service Bulletin SB-235-28-
0023C, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015. The service information 
describes procedures for modification of the fuel booster pumps. 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 35 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2013-23-02, and retained in this AD take 
about 4 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions 
that are required by AD 2013-23-02 is $340 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,802 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $86,870, or $2,482 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $16,080, for a cost 
of $16,335 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-26-03 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-18761; Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 8, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, 
November 15, 2013) (``AD 2013-23-02'').

(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, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight problem with 
the fuel transfer system. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage 
to certain fuel booster pumps, which could create an ignition source 
in the fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank explosion 
and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection of the Feeder Cables of Certain Fuel Booster 
Pumps, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-23-02, with no changes. Within the times specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable: Perform a detailed 
visual inspection for damage (including, but not limited to, signs 
of electrical arcing and fuel leaks) of the electrical feeder cables 
of each fuel booster pump having part number (P/N) 1C12-34 or 1C12-
46, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Military All 
Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model CN-235 
airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 
01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).
    (1) For each fuel booster pump that has not been replaced as of 
December 2, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-23-02): Prior to the 
accumulation of 300 total flight hours or within 5 flight cycles 
after December 2, 2013, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For each fuel booster pump that has been replaced as of 
December 2, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-23-02): Within 300 
flight hours since the most recent fuel booster pump replacement, or 
within 5 flight cycles after December 2, 2013, whichever occurs 
later.

(h) Retained Replacement of Affected Fuel Boost Pumps, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-23-02, with no

[[Page 720]]

changes. If any damage (including, but not limited to, signs of 
electrical arcing and fuel leaks) is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Within the time specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the affected fuel 
booster pump with a serviceable pump, in accordance with Airbus 
Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model 
CN-235 airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, 
Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).
    (1) Before further flight.
    (2) Within 10 days following the inspection, provided that the 
airplane is operated under the conditions specified in Airbus 
Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model 
CN-235 airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, 
Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Modification of the Fuel Booster Pumps

    For Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-
235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes: Within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the electrical installation of the 
fuel booster pumps, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Defense and Space Service Bulletin SB-235-28-
0023C, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015. Accomplishing the 
modification terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) 
of this AD for that airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-28-
0023, dated March 14, 2014.

(k) 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or EADS CASA's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0014, dated January 14, 2016, 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-2016-9109.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(5) and (m)(6) of this AD.

(m) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 8, 2017.
    (i) Airbus Defense and Space Service Bulletin SB-235-28-0023C, 
Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 2, 2013 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013).
    (i) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 
2013.
    (ii) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 01, 
dated August 1, 2013.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS 
CASA (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering Support, 
Avenida de Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: +34 91 
585 55 84; fax: +34 91 585 31 27; email: 
[email protected].
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 December 8, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30842 Filed 1-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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