Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 21766-21768
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-08350
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2016-5467; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-186-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main landing gear (MLG) access doors detaching from the airplane as a result of excessive vibration and metal fatigue in the attach fittings. This proposed AD would require modification of the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt. We are proposing this AD to prevent a fracture in the MLG access door associated with excessive vibration and metal fatigue in the attach fittings. This condition could lead to MLG access door detachment and consequent impact of flight controls, resulting in reduced control of an airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact EADS-CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), Integrated Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax +34 91 585 55 05; email MTA.TechnicalService@casa.eads.net; 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.
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-
5467; 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 proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-5467; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-186-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued Airworthiness Directive 2015-0225, dated November 18, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
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Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-200, and CN-
235-300 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences of Main Landing Gear (MLG) Access Door detachment were reported. Subsequent investigation determined that the detachments of the MLG Door occurred during maneuvers performed at high speed and with high sideslip angle on airplanes not modified in accordance with the instructions EADS-CASA European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company-Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. Service Bulletins (SBs) SB-235-52-0061 and SB-235-52-0068. Based on the investigation results, it was determined that the fracture mechanism was associated with excessive deformation that could produce scooping in the forward edge combined with an excessive vibration of the MLG Access Door.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to MLG Access Door detachment and consequent impact of flight controls, resulting in reduced control of an airplane and possible injury of persons on the ground.
To address this potential unsafe condition, EADS-CASA issued SB-
235-52-0061 and SB-235-52-0068 to provide modification instructions.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires modification of MLG Access Doors and prohibits installation of a MLG Access Door sealing part number (P/N) CAN36032R. This AD also prohibits installation of not modified MLG Access Doors.
Required actions include modification of the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt. 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-2016-5467.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EADS CASA has issued the following service information:
EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0061, Revision 1, dated October 24, 2014. The service information describes procedures for modifying the MLG access door by installing an additional bolt.
EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0068, Revision 2, dated January 9, 2015. The service information describes procedures for modifying the MLG access door by installing an improved fairing seal.
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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 30 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take up to 60 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost up to $12,684 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $533,520, or up to $17,784 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed regulation:
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Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
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Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
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Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
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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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 Amended
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The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2016-5467; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-186-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 31, 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 235-200, and CN 235-300 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of main landing gear (MLG) access doors detaching from the airplane as a result of excessive vibration and metal fatigue in the attach fittings. This condition could lead to MLG access door detachment and consequent impact of flight controls, resulting in reduced control of an airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
Page 21768
(g) Modifications
(1) For all airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify each MLG access door by installing an improved fairing seal, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0068, Revision 2, dated January 9, 2015.
(2) For all Model CN-235-200 airplanes: Concurrently with the action required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, modify each affected MLG access door by installing an additional bolt, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-
235-52-0061, Revision 1, dated October 24, 2014.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD, using EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-
235-52-0068, Revision 1, dated October 24, 2014; or SB-235-52-0068, dated July 15, 2002; which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-
235-52-0061, dated October 31, 1996, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition and Limitation
(1) For airplanes modified as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, before the effective date of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a seal having part number CAN36032R on any MLG access door.
(2) For airplanes not modified as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, before the effective date of this AD: After accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, no person may install a seal having part number CAN36032R on any MLG access door.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, installation of a MLG access door on an airplane is allowed, provided the MLG access door is modified as required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(j) 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. 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0225, dated November 18, 2015, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-5467.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS-
CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), Integrated Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax +34 91 585 55 05; email MTA.TechnicalService@casa.eads.net; Internet http://www.eads.net. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-08350 Filed 4-12-16; 8:45 am
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