81 FR 21766 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 71 (April 13, 2016)

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.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21766-21768]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08350]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[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 Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 
Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax +34 91 585 55 05; email 
[email protected]; 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

[[Page 21767]]

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:
    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

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 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 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; 
fax +34 91 585 55 05; email [email protected]; 
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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P