[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54376-54378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-120-AD; Amendment 39-10167; AD 97-21-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. 
(CASA) Model C-212 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all CASA Model C-212 series airplanes, that requires an 
initial inspection of the restrictor pistons on the shock absorbers of 
the left and right main landing gear (MLG) to determine the number and 
condition of threaded screw pins that are installed; replacement of any 
discrepant pin; and repetitive inspections of certain pistons. 
Modification of certain pistons by the installation of two additional 
pins terminates these inspections. This amendment is prompted by 
reports indicating that the threaded screw pin that holds the 
restrictor piston on the slide tube of the shock absorber has been 
found to have loosened on some airplanes. The actions specified by this 
AD are intended to prevent the loss of hydraulic damping in the MLG, 
due to failure of the screw pins that hold the restrictor pistons on 
the slide tubes of the shock absorbers, and consequent structural 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 24, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 24, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A., Getafe, Madrid, Spain. 
This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.


[[Page 54377]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Dunn, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2799; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all CASA Model C-212 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 7, 1997 (62 FR 
10488). That action proposed to require an initial inspection of the 
restrictor pistons on the shock absorbers of the left and right main 
landing gear (MLG) to determine the number and condition of threaded 
screw pins that are installed; replacement of any discrepant pin; and 
repetitive inspections of certain pistons. Pistons on which one pin is 
installed are required to be modified by drilling two new holes and 
unsealing two previously drilled holes, and installing two additional 
pins. This modification terminates these repetitive inspection 
requirements.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 41 CASA Model C-212 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 20 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts will cost approximately $11 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$49,651, or $1,211 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the rules docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the rules docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-21-14 Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
10167. Docket 96-NM-120-AD.

    Applicability: All Model C-212 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the loss of hydraulic damping in the main landing 
gear, due to failure of the screw pins that hold the restrictor 
pistons on the slide tubes of the shock absorbers, and consequent 
structural damage to the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 600 hours time-in-service after 
the effective date of this AD, conduct an inspection of each 
restrictor piston to detect the number and condition of installed 
threaded screw pins; in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin SB-
212-32-38, dated June 16, 1994. Prior to further flight, replace any 
loose pin, in accordance with the service bulletin and accomplish 
the following, as applicable:
    (1) For any piston on which three threaded screw pins are 
installed: No further action is required by this AD for this piston.
    (2) For any piston on which one pin is installed and two holes 
are sealed with epoxy: Remove the epoxy, and install two additional 
threaded screw pins, in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Thereafter, no further action is required by this AD for this 
piston.
    (3) For any piston on which one pin is installed and no other 
holes exist:
    (i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service until the 
modification required by paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this AD is 
accomplished.
    (ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,800 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD, or within 3 years after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify this 
piston in accordance with the service bulletin. Accomplishment of 
this modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspection requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this AD. 
Thereafter, no further action is required by this AD with regard to 
that piston.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with CASA Service 
Bulletin SB-212-32-38, dated June 16, 1994. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A., Getafe, Madrid, 
Spain. Copies may be

[[Page 54378]]

inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Spanish 
airworthiness directive 07/94, dated October 1994.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 24, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-27581 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U