[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5998-6000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2291]



[[Page 5998]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1091; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-037-AD; 
Amendment 39-16916; AD 2012-01-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) 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 certain 
Model CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of failures of the engine condition control cable 
which led to an engine shut down. This AD requires an inspection to 
determine the part number of the engine condition control cable, 
repetitive inspections for excessive wear of the affected engine 
condition control cable, and replacement of the affected part. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine condition 
control cable which could cause a consequent runway excursion during 
take-off, or reduced control of the airplane during flight.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 13, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 13, 
2012.

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 October 25, 2011 (76 
FR 65995). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    EADS-CASA received reports of engine condition control cable 
(Part Number (P/N) 35-56382-0003) failures that, in one of the 
cases, occurred during the starting phase of one engine which led to 
an engine shut down following the procedures described within the 
Aircraft Operation Manual.
    The investigation revealed that the cable failure is due to a 
fracture in the area of the pulley MS 20219-1. The root cause of the 
fracture is an unsuitable ratio between the diameter of the pulley 
and the cable type and diameter.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
engine condition control cable failure and consequent runway 
excursion if it occurs during take-off or reduced control of the 
aeroplane if it occurs during flight.
    To address this condition, EADS-CASA has developed an engine 
condition control cable P/N 35-56382-0005 with improved 
characteristics.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires, at 
first, [an inspection to determine the part number of the engine 
condition control cable], [repetitive detailed] inspections for 
[excessive wear] of the [affected] engine condition control cable, 
and its replacement (scheduled or depending on the inspection 
findings) with engine condition control cable P/N 35-56382-0005.

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 (76 FR 65995, October 25, 
2011) 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 except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (76 FR 65995, October 25, 2011) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 65995, October 25, 2011).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 7 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,190, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 12 work-hours and require parts costing $1,087, for a cost 
of $2,107 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may 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 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 2011-1091 (76 FR 65995, 
October 25, 2011), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and

[[Page 5999]]

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

    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:

2012-01-04 EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-16916. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-1091; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-037-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 13, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to EADS CASA (Type Certificate previously held 
by Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model CN-235-100, CN-235-200, 
and CN-235-300 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial 
numbers C-030 through C-149 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 76: Engine 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the engine 
condition control cable which led to an engine shut down. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine 
condition control cable which could cause a consequent runway 
excursion during take-off, or reduced control of the airplane during 
flight.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspections

    Within 9 months or 300 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine whether 
the engine condition control cable has part number (P/N) 35-56382-
0003. If an engine condition control cable having P/N 35-56382-0003 
is installed, within 9 months or 300 flight hours, whichever occurs 
first after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection 
for excessive wear of the engine condition control cable (including 
control rods, levers, and pulleys near the flight compartment center 
console having incorrect freedom and range of movement, incorrect 
assembly and locking, distortion, damage, corrosion, incorrect 
security of attachment; and control rod end fittings having 
excessive wear, i.e., kinks or distortion, corrosion, reduced 
diameter of cable, and broken wires); in accordance with Section 76-
10-00, ``Power and Condition Control,'' Block 601 (Configuration 1), 
``Inspection/Check,'' Paragraph 1.B., of the Airbus Military CN-235 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    For airplanes with engine condition control cable having P/N 35-
56382-0003: Within 9 months or 300 flight hours after doing the 
detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, repeat the detailed inspection specified in paragraph 
(g) of this AD.

(i) Replacement of Engine Condition Control Cable Due to Excessive Wear

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of 
this AD, excessive wear of the engine condition control cable is 
found: Before further flight, replace the engine condition control 
cable with P/N 35-56382-0005, in accordance with Section 76-10-12, 
``Power and Condition Control Cables,'' Block 401 (Configuration 1), 
``Removal/Installation,'' Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN-
235 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010.

(j) Replacement of Engine Condition Control Cable

    Within 27 months or 900 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD: Unless the engine condition 
control cable has already been replaced in accordance with paragraph 
(i) of this AD, replace the engine condition control cable having P/
N 35-56382-0003 with an engine condition control cable having P/N 
35-56382-0005, in accordance with Section 76-10-12, ``Power and 
Condition Control Cables,'' Block 401 (Configuration 1), ``Removal/
Installation,'' Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010.

(k) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
engine condition control cable having P/N 35-56382-0003, on any 
airplane.

(l) 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, 
Washington 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) 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.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0010, dated 
January 20, 2011; and Section 76-10-00, ``Power and Condition 
Control,'' Block 601 (Configuration 1), ``Inspection/Check,'' 
Paragraph 1.B., and Section 76-10-12, ``Power and Condition Control 
Cables,'' Block 401 (Configuration 1), ``Removal/Installation,'' 
Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010; for related information.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
    (i) Section 76-10-00, ``Power and Condition Control,'' Block 601 
(Configuration 1) (pages 601 through 606), ``Inspection/Check,'' 
Paragraph 1.B. of the Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010. Only the title page and 
Record of Revisions of Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010, specify the revision level 
of the document.
    (ii) Section 76-10-12, ``Power and Condition Control Cables,'' 
Block 401 (Configuration 1) (pages 401 through 406), ``Removal/
Installation,'' Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010. Only the title 
page and Record of Revisions of Airbus Military CN-235 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010, specify the 
revision level of the document.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS-
CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), Integrated 
Customer Services (ICS),

[[Page 6000]]

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.
    (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.
    (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 an NARA facility, 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 January 6, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-2291 Filed 2-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P