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

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 20, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43832-43834]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19655]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0555; Product Identifier 2016-NM-183-AD; Amendment 
39-19037; AD 2017-19-07]
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) 2013-02-12, 
which applied to all EADS CASA (now Airbus Defense and Space S.A.) 
Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. AD 
2013-02-12 required a one-time inspection to identify the correct 
polarity for each pair of electrical connectors on each engine fire 
extinguisher cartridge, and repair if necessary. This AD continues to 
require identifying the correct polarity of each pair of electrical 
connectors of the affected engine fire extinguisher cartridge, and 
doing a repair if necessary. This AD also requires modifying the 
installation of the fire extinguisher circuit harnesses. This AD was 
prompted by reports of incorrect electrical polarity connections on 
engine fire extinguishing discharge cartridges. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 25, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 25, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 
8, 2013 (78 FR 7262, February 1, 2013).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact 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 
Standards Branch, 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-2017-0555.

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-2017-
0555; 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 2013-02-12, Amendment 39-17333 (78 FR 7262, 
February 1, 2013) (``AD 2013-02-12''). AD 2013-02-12 applied to all 
EADS CASA (now 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 
Register on June 16, 2017 (82 FR 27631). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of incorrect electrical polarity connections on engine fire 
extinguishing discharge cartridges. The NPRM proposed to continue to 
require identifying the correct polarity of each pair of electrical 
connectors of the affected engine fire extinguisher cartridge, and 
doing a repair if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require 
modifying the installation of the fire extinguisher circuit harnesses. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect polarity 
connections, which could prevent the actuation of the discharge 
cartridge in case of automatic fire detection or manual initiation 
during a potential engine fire, and could result in damage to the 
airplane and injury to passengers.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0201, dated October 11, 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, and CN-235-300 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Reports have been received of finding wrong electrical polarity 
connections of engine fire extinguishing discharge cartridges on 
CASA CN-235 aeroplanes. The results of the subsequent investigation 
showed that the incorrect discharge cartridge assembly was caused by 
production line errors.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the 
actuation of the discharge cartridge in case of automatic fire 
detection or manual initiation in case of engine fire, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, EADS CASA (Airbus 
Military) developed instructions to identify erroneous wiring 
polarity installation and EASA issued AD 2012-0045 [which correlates 
to FAA AD 2013-02-12, Amendment 39-17333 (78 FR 7262, February 1, 
2013)] to require a one-time inspection to verify proper electrical 
polarity of wiring of each engine fire extinguisher discharge 
cartridge and, depending on findings, corrective action.
    Since [EASA] AD 2012-0045 was issued, Airbus Defence and Space 
(D&S) developed modification of the installation of the fire 
extinguisher circuit harnesses, available for in-service 
installation through Service Bulletin (SB) SB-235-26-0005, which 
represents technical solution for an unsafe condition addressed by 
[EASA] AD 2012-0045 for those aeroplanes. Embodiment of this 
modification introduces a design solution that avoids maintenance 
errors during (re)connecting of the affected fire extinguisher 
circuit harnesses after accomplishment of maintenance tasks or 
functional tests.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0045, which is superseded and

[[Page 43833]]

requires identification of the correct polarity after each 
maintenance action involving (re)connecting of the engine fire 
extinguisher cartridge electrical connector. This [EASA] AD also 
requires modification of the affected fire extinguisher circuit 
harnesses.

    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-2017-
0555.

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

    We reviewed EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-26-0005, dated July 
9, 2014. This service information describes procedures for modifying 
the installation of the fire extinguisher circuit harnesses.
    We have also reviewed Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-020, 
Revision 01, dated November 12, 2013. This service information 
describes procedures for identifying the correct polarity of each pair 
of electrical connectors of the affected engine fire extinguisher 
cartridge, and repairing the erroneous wiring polarity if necessary.
    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 12 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                          Labor cost           Parts cost         Cost per product                Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained action from AD     4 work-hours x $85 per                 $0  $340.....................  $4,080.
 2013[dash]02[dash]12).                  hour = $340.
Repetitive Inspection (new action)....  3 work-hours x $85 per                  0  $255 per inspection cycle  $3,060 per inspection cycle.
                                         hour = $255 per
                                         inspection cycle.
Modification (new action).............  8 work-hour x $85 per               3,280  $3,960...................  $47,520.
                                         hour = $680.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repair that 
will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wiring Correction............................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                 $0              $85
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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:

[[Page 43834]]

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) 
2013-02-12, Amendment 39-17333 (78 FR 7262, February 1, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-19-07 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-19037; Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0555; Product Identifier 2016-NM-183-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 25, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-02-12, Amendment 39-17333 (78 FR 7262, 
February 1, 2013) (``AD 2013-02-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 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.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect electrical polarity 
connections on engine fire extinguishing discharge cartridges. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect polarity 
connections, which could prevent the actuation of the discharge 
cartridge in case of automatic fire detection or manual initiation 
during a potential engine fire, and could result in damage to the 
airplane and injury to passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-02-12, with revised service information. Within 30 days after 
March 8, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-02-12), do a one-time 
inspection to identify the correct polarity for each pair of 
electrical connectors on each engine fire extinguisher cartridge, in 
accordance with the Instructions of Airbus Military All Operator 
Letter 235-020, dated March 9, 2012; or Airbus Military All Operator 
Letter 235-020, Revision 01, dated November 12, 2013.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Repetitive Inspections

    As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Before 
further flight after accomplishing each maintenance task involving 
disconnection or reconnection of an electrical connector of an 
engine fire extinguisher cartridge, determine the polarity of each 
pair of electrical connectors of the affected engine fire 
extinguisher cartridge, in accordance with the Instructions of 
Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-020, Revision 01, dated 
November 12, 2013.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of 
this AD, erroneous wiring polarity installation is detected, before 
further flight, repair the erroneous polarity in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or EADS CASA's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the 
installation of the fire extinguisher circuit harnesses, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS CASA Service 
Bulletin SB-235-26-0005, dated July 9, 2014.

(k) Terminating Action

    The modification required in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates 
the actions required in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 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 Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or the EASA; or EADS CASA's EASA DOA. If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0201, dated October 11, 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-2017-0555.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149.

(n) 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 
October 25, 2017.
    (i) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-020, Revision 01, 
dated November 12, 2013.
    (ii) EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-26-0005, dated July 9, 
2014.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 8, 2013 (78 FR 7262, February 1, 2013).
    (i) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-020, dated March 9, 
2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
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 
Standards Branch, 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 September 7, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19655 Filed 9-19-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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