[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 114 (Monday, June 15, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32605-32606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15678]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-85-AD; Amendment 39-10587; AD 98-12-34]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.
(CASA) Model CN-235 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain CASA Model CN-235 series airplanes, that requires
modification of the forward beam of the vertical stabilizer by the
installation of a structural reinforcement plate. 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 in-flight structural deformation or
failure of the vertical stabilizer, resulting in reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective July 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 20, 1998.
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),
[[Page 32606]]
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) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain CASA Model CN-235 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 1998 (63
FR 18163). That action proposed to require modification of the forward
beam of the vertical stabilizer by the installation of a structural
reinforcement plate.
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.
It will take approximately 30 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $180 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,960, or $1,980 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:
98-12-34 Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-
10587. Docket 98-NM-85-AD.
Applicability: Model CN-235 series airplanes, as listed in CASA
Service Bulletin SB-235-55-04, dated May 30, 1995; and Model CN-235
having serial number (S/N) 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 (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 in-flight structural deformation or failure of the
vertical stabilizer, resulting in reduced controllability of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, install
a structural reinforcement plate on the forward beam of the vertical
stabilizer, in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin SB-235-55-04,
dated May 30, 1995.
(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, 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.
(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 installation shall be done in accordance with CASA
Service Bulletin SB-235-55-04, dated May 30, 1995. 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 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 08/96, dated December 9, 1996.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 20, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15678 Filed 6-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
