[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52391-52393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-23507]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0611; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-165-AD; 
Amendment 39-16033; AD 2009-20-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. 
(CASA), Model C-212-CB, C-212-CC, C-212-CD, and C-212-CE Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Honeywell International, the manufacturer of the SPZ200 
autopilot system installed on the EADS-CASA C-212 series aircraft, 
has identified a series of servo-motors * * * designed for use in 
the SPZ200 autopilot system, whose failure can lead to a potential 
unsafe flight condition. * * *
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is failure of the servo-motors, which could result 
in roll oscillations or possible hard-over failures when the autopilot 
is engaged. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 17, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 17, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 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 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2009 (74 FR 
34520). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Honeywell International, the manufacturer of the SPZ200 
autopilot system installed on the EADS-CASA C-212 series aircraft, 
has identified a series of servo-motors, P/N [part number] 4006719-
904 and P/N 4006719-913, designed for use in the SPZ200 autopilot 
system, whose failure can lead to a potential unsafe flight 
condition. To address and correct this situation, Honeywell 
International has published Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 4006719-22-
A0016 (Revised) dated 1 November 2004, that identifies the affected 
servo-motors by serial number, recommending the removal of these 
units from the aircraft and including modification instructions to 
be accomplished prior to reinstallation.
    EADS-CASA has determined that the flight safety of the C-212 
aircraft is at risk. Consequently, Boletin de Servicio (Service

[[Page 52392]]

Bulletin) SB-212-22-16 has been published to advise C-212 operators 
of this condition and to recommend that the affected servo-motors 
are modified or replaced with modified units.

    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the 
identification of the affected servo-motors and modification or 
replacement with modified units.

The unsafe condition is failure of the servo-motors, which could result 
in roll oscillations or possible hard-over failures when the autopilot 
is engaged. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in 
the AD docket.

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 available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 26 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $10,400, or $400 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 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2009-20-10 Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
16033. Docket No. FAA-2009-0611; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-165-
AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
17, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to CASA Model C-212-CB, C-212-CC, C-212-CD 
and C-212-CE airplanes, all serial numbers; certificated in any 
category; on which autopilot servo-drive actuators (servo-motors) 
having part number (P/N) 4006719-904 or 4006719-913 are installed.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22: Auto 
flight.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Honeywell International, the manufacturer of the SPZ200 
autopilot system installed on the EADS-CASA C-212 series aircraft, 
has identified a series of servo-motors, P/N [part number] 4006719-
904 and P/N 4006719-913, designed for use in the SPZ200 autopilot 
system, whose failure can lead to a potential unsafe flight 
condition. To address and correct this situation, Honeywell 
International has published Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 4006719-22-
A0016 (Revised) dated 1 November 2004, that identifies the affected 
servo-motors by serial number, recommending the removal of these 
units from the aircraft and including modification instructions to 
be accomplished prior to reinstallation.
    EADS-CASA has determined that the flight safety of the C-212 
aircraft is at risk. Consequently, Boletin de Servicio (Service 
Bulletin) SB-212-22-16 has been published to advise C-212 operators 
of this condition and to recommend that the affected servo-motors 
are modified or replaced with modified units.
    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the 
identification of the affected servo-motors and modification or 
replacement with modified units.

The unsafe condition is failure of the servo-motors, which could 
result in roll oscillations or possible hard-over failures when the 
autopilot is engaged.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.

[[Page 52393]]

    (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Identify affected servo-motors having P/N 4006719-904 and P/N 
4006719-913 and modify each unit or replace with a modified unit, in 
accordance with the instructions of EADS-CASA Service Bulletin SB-
212-22-16, dated March 13, 2006.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a servo-motor having P/N 4006719-904 or 4006719-
913, and any affected serial number identified in Honeywell Alert 
Service Bulletin 4006719-22-A0016, Revision 001, dated November 1, 
2004 (referenced in EADS-CASA Service Bulletin SB-212-22-16, dated 
March 13, 2006, as the source of service information for 
accomplishing the modification), unless it has been modified in 
accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

    Note 1:  The 8 digit serial number specified in Honeywell Alert 
Service Bulletin 4006719-22-A0016, Revision 001, dated November 1, 
2004, is a combination date code and serial number. The format is as 
follows: YYMMXXXX--YY is the year; MM is the month, and XXXX is a 
sequential manufacturing serial number (e.g., a unit with number 
0111XXXX was manufactured in November 2001).

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics 
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, 
your local Flight Standards District Office.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2008-0144, dated August 1, 2008; EADS-CASA Service 
Bulletin SB-212-22-16, dated March 13, 2006; and Honeywell Alert 
Service Bulletin 4006719-22-A0016, Revision 001, dated November 1, 
2004; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use EADS-CASA Service Bulletin SB-212-22-16, dated 
March 13, 2006; and Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 4006719-22-
A0016, Revision 001, dated November 1, 2004; as applicable; to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. 
(The revision level of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 4006719-22-
A0016, Revision 001, dated November 1, 2004, is indicated only on 
pages 1 and 2 of the document.)
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (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; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.eads.net.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 18, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-23507 Filed 10-9-09; 8:45 am]
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