2016-30842. 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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-23-02 for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. AD 2013-23-02 required an inspection of the feeder cables of certain fuel booster pumps for damage (including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks), and replacement if necessary. This new AD retains those requirements and also requires modification of the electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective February 8, 2017.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 8, 2017.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of December 2, 2013 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013).

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact EADS CASA (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de Aragón 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail]. 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-2016-9109.

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-2016-9109; 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone: [phone]) 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: [phone]; fax: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013) (“AD 2013-23-02”). AD 2013-23-02 applied to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2016 (81 FR 64080). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. The NPRM proposed to continue to require an inspection of the feeder cables of certain fuel booster pumps for damage (including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks), and replacement if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require modification of the electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to certain fuel booster pumps, which could create an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016-0014, dated January 14, 2016 (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-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. The MCAI states:

An occurrence with a CN-235 aeroplane was reported, involving an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. The results of the subsequent investigation revealed damage on the fuel booster pump electrical feeding cable and some burn marks on the pump body and plate (fairing) at the external side of the fuel tank; confirmed electrical arcing between the wire and pump body; and revealed fuel leakage onto the affected wire.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could create an ignition source in the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion and loss of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, EADS CASA (Airbus Military) issued All Operators Letter (AOL) 235-025 and AOL 295-025, providing inspection instructions for the affected fuel booster pumps, Part Number (P/N) 1C12-34 and P/N 1C12-46.

Consequently, EASA issued AD 2013-0186 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2013-23-02] to require a one-time [detailed visual] inspection of the affected fuel booster pumps to detect damage and, depending on findings, replacement of the fuel booster pump. That [EASA] AD also required reporting of all findings to EADS CASA for evaluation.

Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus Defence and Space (D&S) developed [a] modification of the fuel boost pump electrical installation, available for in-service application through Airbus D&S Service Bulletin (SB) 235-28-0023. That modification involves improved protection of the output of affected fuel pump harness avoiding undesired electrical contacts and preventing potential arcing between the affected harness and metallic parts of the fuel boost cover.

For the reasons described above this [EASA] AD partially retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0186, which is superseded, and requires modification of the fuel pump electrical installation.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9109.

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 this 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

Airbus Defense and Space has issued Service Bulletin SB-235-28-0023C, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015. The service information describes procedures for modification of the fuel booster pumps. 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 35 airplanes of U.S. registry.

The actions required by AD 2013-23-02, and retained in this AD take about 4 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2013-23-02 is $340 per product.

We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours 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 $1,802 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $86,870, or $2,482 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $16,080, for a cost of $16,335 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 ( 78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013), and adding the following new AD:

2016-26-03 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-18761; Docket No. FAA-2016-9109; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-011-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective February 8, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2013-23-02, Amendment 39-17657 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013) (“AD 2013-23-02”).

(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 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight problem with the fuel transfer system. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to certain fuel booster pumps, which could create an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection of the Feeder Cables of Certain Fuel Booster Pumps, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2013-23-02, with no changes. Within the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable: Perform a detailed visual inspection for damage (including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks) of the electrical feeder cables of each fuel booster pump having part number (P/N) 1C12-34 or 1C12-46, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model CN-235 airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).

(1) For each fuel booster pump that has not been replaced as of December 2, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-23-02): Prior to the accumulation of 300 total flight hours or within 5 flight cycles after December 2, 2013, whichever occurs later.

(2) For each fuel booster pump that has been replaced as of December 2, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-23-02): Within 300 flight hours since the most recent fuel booster pump replacement, or within 5 flight cycles after December 2, 2013, whichever occurs later.

(h) Retained Replacement of Affected Fuel Boost Pumps, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013-23-02, with no changes. If any damage (including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks) is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Within the time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the affected fuel booster pump with a serviceable pump, in accordance with Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model CN-235 airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).

(1) Before further flight.

(2) Within 10 days following the inspection, provided that the airplane is operated under the conditions specified in Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013 (for Model CN-235 airplanes); or Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013 (for Model C-295 airplanes).

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Modification of the Fuel Booster Pumps

For Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Defense and Space Service Bulletin SB-235-28-0023C, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015. Accomplishing the modification terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for that airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus EADS CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-28-0023, dated March 14, 2014.

(k) 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: [phone]; fax: [phone]. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 EADS CASA's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0014, dated January 14, 2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9109.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(5) and (m)(6) of this AD.

(m) 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.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on February 8, 2017.

(i) Airbus Defense and Space Service Bulletin SB-235-28-0023C, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2015.

(ii) Reserved.

(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on December 2, 2013 (78 FR 68688, November 15, 2013).

(i) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 235-025, dated July 29, 2013.

(ii) Airbus Military All Operator Letter 295-025, Revision 01, dated August 1, 2013.

(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS CASA (Airbus Defense and Space), Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de Aragón 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(6) 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.

(7) 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 December 8, 2016.

Dionne Palermo,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.