AD 2016-17-17
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus Defense and Space S.A. | CN-235 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus Defense and Space S.A. | CN-235-200 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus Defense and Space S.A. | CN-235-300 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Main landing gear (MLG) access doors detaching from the airplane as a result of excessive vibration and metal fatigue in the attach fittings.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Modify the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model CN-235, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes, all serial numbers.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting 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 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 AD requires modification of the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt. We are issuing 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.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(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.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59837-59839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20706]
[[Page 59837]]
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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;
Amendment 39-18630; AD 2016-17-17]
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting 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 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 AD requires
modification of the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG
fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt. We are
issuing 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: This AD is effective October 5, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 5,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#125f46533c4677717a7c7b71737e417760647b717752717361733c777376613c7c7766"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="470a1306691322242f292e24262b142235312e24220724263426692226233469292233">[email protected]</span></a>; Internet
<a href="http://www.eads.net">http://www.eads.net</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5467.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Defense and
Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2016 (81 FR 21766)
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of MLG access doors
detaching from the airplane as a result of excessive vibration and
metal fatigue in the attach fittings. The NPRM proposed to require
modification of the MLG access door by replacing seals in the MLG
fairing and, for certain airplanes, adding an additional bolt. We are
issuing 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.
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 Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all 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 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 [EASA] 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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2016-5467.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We have reviewed the following service information:
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0068, Revision 2,
dated January
[[Page 59838]]
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 30 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification........................ 60 work-hours x $85 per $12,684 $17,784 $533,520
hour = $5,100.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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):
2016-17-17 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-18630; Docket No.
FAA-2016-5467; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-186-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 5, 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. We are issuing
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.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(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.
(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.
(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 an 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
[[Page 59839]]
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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-5467.
(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) EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0061, Revision 1, Dated
October 24, 2014.
(ii) EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-52-0068, Revision 2,
dated January 9, 2015.
(3) 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bff2ebfe91ebdadcd7d1d6dcded3ecdacdc9d6dcdaffdcdeccde91dadedbcc91d1dacb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a273e2b443e0f09020403090b06390f181c03090f2a090b190b440f0b0e1944040f1e">[email protected]</span></a>;
Internet <a href="http://www.eads.net">http://www.eads.net</a>. 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.
(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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20706 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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