Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA), Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 165 (Thursday, August 27, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43632-43634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-20581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0386; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-184-AD; 
Amendment 39-16002; AD 2009-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. 
(CASA), Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 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 the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    During operation in icing conditions, an asymmetric 
configuration of the de-icing boots was detected, occurring during 
the inflation and deflation check of the de-icing system. This was 
found to be due to an unexpected failure mode in the pneumatic and 
de-icing system's control electronic logic. This condition, if not 
corrected, could affect the de-icing capabilities of the boots 
installed on the wing and horizontal stabilizers, potentially 
leading to loss of control of the aircraft.
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 1, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 1, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 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 include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2009 (74 
FR 19460). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During operation in icing conditions, an asymmetric 
configuration of the de-icing boots was detected, occurring during 
the inflation and deflation check of the de-icing system. This was 
found to be due to an unexpected failure mode in the pneumatic and 
de-icing system's control electronic logic. This condition, if not 
corrected, could affect the de-icing capabilities of the boots 
installed on the wing and horizontal stabilizers, potentially 
leading to loss of control of the aircraft.
    To address and correct this unsafe condition, EADS-CASA 
developed modification 31558, approved by DGAC-Spain and 
incorporated into the Type Design Definition through the approval of 
CN-235-300 version AE02, revision 14 of Spanish Type Certificate 
DGAC 01/86, dated 22 March 2002, and modification 31607, Minor 
Change approved by EADS-CASA under their DOA 21J.032 privileges, 
complementary to modification 31558. The entire modification package 
consists of an improvement of the de-icing boots electronic control 
system, making it capable of detecting all possible boot 
configurations on wings and horizontal stabilizers without affecting 
pneumatic system functions. The instructions for the in-service 
accomplishment of this modification have been published as CN-235 
Service Bulletin (SB) 235-30-16 dated 21 January 2005.
    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the 
modification of the De-Icing Boots control system in all aircraft 
that have not yet implemented the modification.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

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.

Change to Parts Cost

    We have revised the parts cost to reflect the price of two kits 
from the manufacturer. The revised cost is less than the original cost 
presented in the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 8 products of U.S. registry. 
We also

[[Page 43633]]

estimate that it will take about 65 work-hours per product to comply 
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 
per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $7,383 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be 
$100,664, or $12,583 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2009-18-06 Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
16002. Docket No. FAA-2009-0386; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-184-
AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 
1, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to CASA Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-
200, and CN-235-300 airplanes, certificated in any category, all 
serial numbers up to, but not including, C-139.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and 
rain protection.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During operation in icing conditions, an asymmetric 
configuration of the de-icing boots was detected, occurring during 
the inflation and deflation check of the de-icing system. This was 
found to be due to an unexpected failure mode in the pneumatic and 
de-icing system's control electronic logic. This condition, if not 
corrected, could affect the de-icing capabilities of the boots 
installed on the wing and horizontal stabilizers, potentially 
leading to loss of control of the aircraft.
    To address and correct this unsafe condition, EADS-CASA 
developed modification 31558, approved by DGAC-Spain and 
incorporated into the Type Design Definition through the approval of 
CN-235-300 version AE02, revision 14 of Spanish Type Certificate 
DGAC 01/86, dated 22 March 2002, and modification 31607, Minor 
Change approved by EADS-CASA under their DOA 21J.032 privileges, 
complementary to modification 31558. The entire modification package 
consists of an improvement of the de-icing boots electronic control 
system, making it capable of detecting all possible boot 
configurations on wings and horizontal stabilizers without affecting 
pneumatic system functions. The instructions for the in-service 
accomplishment of this modification have been published as CN-235 
Service Bulletin (SB) 235-30-16 dated 21 January 2005.
    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the 
modification of the De-Icing Boots control system in all aircraft 
that have not yet implemented the modification.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within six months after the effective 
date of this AD: Modify the aircraft de-icing boots control system 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of European 
Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) CASA Service Bulletin 
SB-235-30-16, dated January 21, 2005.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Send information to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal 
maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), 
as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight 
Standards District Office.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,

[[Page 43634]]

the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the 
information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0118, dated June 27, 2008; and EADS 
CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-30-16, dated January 21, 2005; for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-30-16, dated 
January 21, 2005, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) 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; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.eads.net.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-20581 Filed 8-26-09; 8:45 am]
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