81 FR 9754 - 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 38 (February 26, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN- 235-300, and C-295 airplanes. This AD requires a general visual inspection of the rudder control system to confirm correct alignment and installation of the adjustment device, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of disconnection of the kinematic chain from the co-pilot rudder pedals to the rudder control bars located under the cockpit floor; subsequent investigation revealed that the failure was caused by disconnection of the pedal adjustment device from the adjustment actuator. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect alignment and incorrect installation of the adjustment device, which could lead to loss of the rudder control from the affected side and possibly result in reduced control of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 38 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9754-9756]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03883]



[[Page 9754]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-3704; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-18413; AD 2016-04-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-
235-300, and C-295 airplanes. This AD requires a general visual 
inspection of the rudder control system to confirm correct alignment 
and installation of the adjustment device, and repair if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by a report of disconnection of the kinematic 
chain from the co-pilot rudder pedals to the rudder control bars 
located under the cockpit floor; subsequent investigation revealed that 
the failure was caused by disconnection of the pedal adjustment device 
from the adjustment actuator. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct incorrect alignment and incorrect installation of the 
adjustment device, which could lead to loss of the rudder control from 
the affected side and possibly result in reduced control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 14, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 14, 
2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 11, 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 final rule, contact 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A., Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax 
+34 91 585 3127; email [email protected]. For 
U.S. operators, email alternatively 
[email protected]. 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. It is also available on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3704.

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-
3704; 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 this 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:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0012, dated January 14, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct 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. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported involving disconnection of the 
kinematic chain from the co-pilot rudder pedals to the rudder 
control bars located under the cockpit floor. Subsequent 
investigation revealed that the failure was caused by disconnection 
of the pedal adjustment device from the adjustment actuator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
loss of the rudder control from the affected side, possibly 
resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus Defence and 
Space (Airbus D&S) issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) AOT-
CN235-27-0002 and AOT-C295-27-0001, as applicable to aeroplane 
model, to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time general visual inspection (GVI) of the rudder control system 
and correctness of the installation connection between the 
adjustment actuators and the adjustment devices of the rudder pedals 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3704.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Defence and Space has issued AOT AOT-C295-27-0001, Revision 
1, dated September 29, 2015; and AOT-CN235-27-0002, Revision 1, dated 
September 22, 2015. The service information describes procedures for a 
general visual inspection of the rudder control system to confirm 
correct alignment and installation of the adjustment device. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
incorrect alignment and

[[Page 9755]]

incorrect installation of the adjustment device could lead to loss of 
the rudder control from the affected side and possibly result in 
reduced control of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice 
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-3704; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-NM-005-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $2,465, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $177, for a cost of 
$857 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these actions.

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 that 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);
    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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-04-19 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-18413. Docket No. 
FAA-2016-3704; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-005-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 14, 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-235-100, 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 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of disconnection of the 
kinematic chain from the co-pilot rudder pedals to the rudder 
control bars located under the cockpit floor; subsequent 
investigation revealed that the failure was caused by disconnection 
of the pedal adjustment device from the adjustment actuator. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect alignment and 
incorrect installation of the adjustment device, which could lead to 
loss of the rudder control from the affected side and possibly 
result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) General Visual Inspection

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a general 
visual inspection of the rudder control system to confirm correct 
alignment and installation of the adjustment device, in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus Defence and Space Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) AOT-C295-27-0001, Revision 1, dated September 29, 
2015; or Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-27-0002, Revision 1, 
dated September 22, 2015; as applicable.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the general visual inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, any discrepancy is found, as specified in Airbus 
Defence and Space AOT AOT-C295-27-0001, Revision 1, dated September 
29, 2015; or Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-27-0002, 
Revision 1, dated September 22, 2015; as applicable: Before further 
flight, repair 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).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-C295-27-0001, 
dated October 23, 2014; or Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-
27-0002, dated October 23, 2014; as applicable.

[[Page 9756]]

(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. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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 Airworthiness Directive 2016-0012, dated January 14, 
2016, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2016-3704.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Defence and Space Alert Operators Transmission AOT-
C295-27-0001, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Defence and Space Alert Operators Transmission AOT-
CN235-27-0002, Revision 1, dated September 22, 2015.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A., Services/Engineering Support, Avenida 
de Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 
84; fax +34 91 585 3127; email 
[email protected]. For U.S. operators, email 
alternatively [email protected].
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 15, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03883 Filed 2-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P