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

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 227 (Friday, November 25, 2016)

Federal Register Volume 81, Number 227 (Friday, November 25, 2016)

Proposed Rules

Pages 85169-85171

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2016-27307

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2016-9386; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-056-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 235-100, CN 235-200, and CN 235-300 airplanes, and Model C-295 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by leakage of a motorized cross-feed fuel valve. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the affected fuel valves and, depending on findings, applicable corrective action(s). We are proposing this AD to detect and correct leaks in a motorized cross-feed fuel valve, which could lead to failure of the fuel valve and consequent improper fuel system functioning or, in case of the presence of an ignition source, an airplane fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 9, 2017.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus Defense and Space, Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; 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.

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-

9386; 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-2016-9386; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-056-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 2016-0071, dated April 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, and Model C-295 airplanes. The MCAI states:

Leakage of a motorised cross-feed fuel valve Part Number (P/N) 7923227F was reported on a CN-235-100M aeroplane. The leakage was observed through the valve electrical connectors and detected during accomplishment of a functional check in accordance with the CN-235 aeroplane Maintenance Review Board Report (MRB-PV01M), task 28.007. Identical motorised fuel valves are installed on CN-235 and C-295 aeroplanes, corresponding to civil type design, as cross-feed, shut-

off and defueling valves, as applicable to aeroplane model and configuration.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of a motorised fuel valve and consequent improper fuel system functioning or, in case of the presence of an ignition source, possibly resulting in an aeroplane fire.

To address this potentially unsafe condition, Airbus Defense & Space (D&S) issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)-CN235-28-0001 and AOT-C295-28-0001 to provide inspection instructions.

For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires an inspection of the affected motorised fuel valves and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) (valve replacement).

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-

9386.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Airbus Defense and Space S.A. has issued AOT-CN235-28-0001, dated February 19, 2016; and AOT-C295-28-0001, dated February 19, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspecting and replacing the motorized fuel valves. The service information also describes procedures for reporting inspection findings. These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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

Page 85170

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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs

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Cost per Cost on U.S.

Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

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Inspection......................... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $170 $2,380

= $170.

Reporting.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85 1,190

= $85.

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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these replacements:

On-Condition Costs

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Cost per

Action Labor cost Parts cost product

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Replacement................................ 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425. $38,448 $38,873

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Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2016-9386; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-056-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by January 9, 2017.

(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-235-100, CN-

235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes, and Model 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 leakage of a motorized cross-feed fuel valve, which was detected during accomplishment of a functional check. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct leaks in a motorized cross-feed fuel valve, which could lead to failure of the fuel valve and consequent improper

Page 85171

fuel system functioning or, in case of the presence of an ignition source, an airplane fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Motorized Fuel Valves

Within the compliance time defined in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, do a general visual inspection of each motorized fuel valve having part number (P/N) 7923227F for the presence of fuel on the electrical connectors and inside the receptacles, as specified in, and in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defense and Space Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) AOT-CN235-28-0001 or Airbus Defense and Space AOT-C295-28-0001, both dated February 19, 2016, as applicable.

(1) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, have accumulated 6,000 flight cycles or more since first flight: Do the inspection within 30 flight cycles or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(2) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, have accumulated fewer than 6,000 flight cycles since first flight: Do the inspection within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Replacement of Affected Parts

If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any leaking of a motorized fuel valve having P/N 7923227F is detected: Before the next flight, replace the affected fuel valve with a serviceable part, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defense and Space AOT-CN235-28-0001 or Airbus Defense and Space AOT-C295-28-0001, both dated February 19, 2016, as applicable. A serviceable part is defined as a part that is not defective; it could be a used or brand new part.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

As of the effective date of this AD, replacement of a motorized fuel valve having P/N 7923227F with a serviceable used part on an airplane is allowed, provided that, within 30 flight cycles or 30 days, whichever occurs first after installation, the part passes an inspection done in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defense and Space AOT-CN235-28-0001 or AOT-C295-28-0001, both dated February 19, 2016, as applicable.

(j) Reporting Requirement

At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD, report the inspection results (both positive and negative) to Airbus DS Technical Assistance Center (AMTAC); telephone +34 91 600 79 99; email mta.technicalservice@airbus.com. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, operator name, the airplane model and serial number, valve part number and serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane.

(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the inspection.

(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.

(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. 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 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.

(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Airworthiness Directive 2016-0071, dated April 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-2016-9386.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Defense and Space, Technical Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de Aragoacuten 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax +34 91 585 55 31 0527; 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 November 2, 2016.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

FR Doc. 2016-27307 Filed 11-23-16; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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