[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 204 (Friday, October 22, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56962-56963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-27325]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-117-AD; Amendment 39-11384; AD 99-22-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.
(CASA), Model CN-235 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to all CASA Model CN-235 series airplanes, that
currently requires repetitive eddy current inspections to detect
fatigue cracks in the nose landing gear (NLG) turning tube, and
replacement of cracked tubes. This amendment adds a requirement for the
replacement of the existing NLG turning tube constructed of aluminum
alloy with a new NLG turning tube made of steel; such replacement
terminates the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by
issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign
civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent fatigue cracking and failure of the NLG turning
tube, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the NLG.
DATES: Effective November 26, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 26, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of CASA Maintenance Instructions COM
235-092, Revision 02, dated May 5, 1995, listed in the regulations was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March
4, 1997 (62 FR 3994, January 28, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 97-02-17,
amendment 39-9902 (62 FR 3994, January 28, 1997), which is applicable
to all CASA Model CN-235 series airplanes, was published in the Federal
Register on August 12, 1999 (64 FR 43953). The action proposed to
supersede AD 97-02-17, to continue to require repetitive eddy current
inspections to detect fatigue cracks in the nose landing gear (NLG)
turning tube, and replacement of cracked tubes. The action proposed to
add a requirement to replace the existing NLG turning tube constructed
of aluminum alloy with a new NLG turning tube made of steel, which
would terminate the repetitive inspections.
Comments
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 2 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 97-02-17, and
retained in this AD, take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $480 per airplane.
The new actions that are required by this AD action will take
approximately 16 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$20,722 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
actions required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$43,364, or $21,682 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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
[[Page 56963]]
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 removing amendment 39-9902 (62 FR
3994, January 28, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-11384, to read as follows:
99-22-06 Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
11384. Docket 99-NM-117-AD. Supersedes AD 97-02-17, Amendment 39-
9902.
Applicability: All Model CN-235 series airplanes; including
Model CN-235 series airplane, serial number C-011; certificated in
any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
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 (f) 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 fatigue cracking and failure of the nose landing gear
(NLG) turning tube, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the NLG, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-02-17, Amendment 39-9902
(a) At the applicable time specified in either paragraph (a)(1)
or (a)(2) of this AD, conduct a high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspection to detect fatigue cracking in the NLG turning tube, in
accordance with the procedures specified in Annex 1 and Annex 2 of
CASA Maintenance Instructions COM 235-092, Revision 02, dated May 5,
1995.
(1) For Model CN-235 airplanes [Basic model; Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW) = 31,746 lbs. (14,400 kgs.)]: Conduct the inspection
prior to or upon the accumulation of 6,000 landings on the NLG
turning tube, or within 50 landings after March 4, 1997 (the
effective date of AD 97-02-17, amendment 39-9902), whichever occurs
later.
(2) For Model CN-235-100 series airplanes [MTOW = 33,290 lbs.
(15,100 kgs.)] and Model CN-235-200 series airplanes [MTOW = 34,833
lbs. (15,800 kgs)]: Conduct the inspection prior to or upon the
accumulation of 4,800 landings on the NLG turning tube, or within 50
landings after March 4, 1997, whichever occurs later.
(b) If no cracking is detected during the inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 200 landings until the requirements of
paragraph (d) are accomplished.
(c) If any cracking is detected during any inspection required
by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight,
accomplish the actions required by paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of
this AD. After the effective date of this AD, only the actions
specified by paragraph (c)(2) of this AD shall be accomplished.
(1) Replace the NLG turning tube with a new unit in accordance
with CASA Maintenance Instructions COM 235-092, Revision 02, dated
May 5, 1995. After replacement, repeat the HFEC inspection prior to
or upon the accumulation of 6,000 landings on the new NLG turning
tube installed on Model CN-325 airplanes (basic model); or prior to
or upon the accumulation of 4,800 landings on the new NLG turning
tube installed on Model CN-325-100 and -200 series airplanes.
Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 200
landings.
(2) Remove the NLG turning tube, P/N GA 63433, from the NLG yoke
assembly and install a new turning tube, P/N GA 65924, and identify
the modified NLG with a P/N SB-A0002-0101 data plate with the
service bulletin number inscribed, in accordance with CASA Service
Bulletin 35-CSB-32-001, dated February 16, 1999.
New Requirements of this AD
(d) Remove the NLG turning tube, P/N GA 63433, from the NLG yoke
assembly and install a new turning tube, P/N GA 65924, and identify
the modified NLG with a P/N SB-A0002-0101 data plate with the
service bulletin number inscribed, in accordance with CASA Service
Bulletin 35-CSB-32-001, dated February 16, 1999. Except as provided
by paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, accomplish the actions at the later
of the times specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.
Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action for
the requirements of this AD.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,800 total flight cycles; or
(2) Within 1 year or 200 landings after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first.
(e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a NLG turning tube, P/N GA 63433, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(g) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(h) The actions shall be done in accordance with CASA
Maintenance Instructions COM 235-092, Revision 02, dated May 5,
1995; or CASA Service Bulletin 35-CSB-32-001, dated February 16,
1999; as applicable.
(1) The incorporation by reference of CASA Service Bulletin 35-
CSB-32-001, dated February 16, 1999, is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) The incorporation of reference of CASA Maintenance
Instructions COM 235-092, Revision 02, dated May 5, 1995, was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of
March 4, 1997 (62 FR 3994, January 28, 1997).
(3) Copies may be obtained from Construcciones Aeronauticas,
S.A., Getafe, Madrid, Spain. Copies may be 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 01/95, Rev. 2, dated February 15, 1999.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on November 26, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-27325 Filed 10-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
