Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 64080-64083
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-22434
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-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 supersede 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 currently requires 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. Since we issued AD 2013-23-02, we have determined that a modification is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013-23-02 and would also require modification of the electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps. We are proposing 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.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 3, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de
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Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: +34 91 585 55 84; fax: +34 91 585 31 27; email: MTA.TechnicalService@Airbus.com. 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-
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 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-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-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
On October 31, 2013, we issued AD 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013) (``AD 2013-23-02''). AD 2013-23-02 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-235-
300, and C-295 airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2013-23-02, we have determined that a modification of the fuel booster pump is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition.
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EADS CASA has issued Airbus Defense and Space 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.
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 these same type designs.
Clarification of Affected Airplanes for Paragraph (i) of This AD
Paragraph (3) of the MCAI specifies a modification for all airplanes. However, the MCAI only specifies service information for Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. We have determined that this modification only applies to Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-
235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. Therefore, in paragraph (i) of this proposed AD we have identified Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-
235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 35 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2013-23-02, and retained in this proposed 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 would take about 8 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 about $1,802 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on
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U.S. operators to be $86,870, or $2,482 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 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 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:
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.
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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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
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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:
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 3, 2016.
(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 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
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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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (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) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS CASA (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: +34 91 585 55 84; fax: +34 91 585 31 27; email: MTA.TechnicalService@Airbus.com. 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 September 12, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-22434 Filed 9-16-16; 8:45 am
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