Document ID: FAA-2016-9521-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-01-05T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1269-1275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31365]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9521; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly 
Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-
235-300, and C-295 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
of excessive play between bushings and their respective fitting 
housings at certain elevator fittings. This proposed AD would require a 
one-time detailed inspection and repetitive eddy current inspections of 
the elevator hinge fitting and bracket assembly, and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 21, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

[[Page 1270]]

     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
Defense and Space, Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; fax +34 91 585 31 27; email 
MTA.TechnicalService@airbus.com. 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.

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-
9521; 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 proposed AD, 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.

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: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9521; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-061-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EADS AD 
2016-0075, dated April 19, 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:

    Excessive play between bushings and their respective fitting 
housing was reported at Stabilizer Station (STA) 4850, affecting the 
outboard and inboard elevator hinge fittings and attachment 
fittings; and the horizontal stabilizer elevator linkage. 
Additionally, excessive misalignment was detected between the 
elevator hinge fittings and the elevator brackets during further 
analysis of the reported cases. Furthermore, an occurrence of an 
elevator hinge fitting crack was reported.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure or detachment of any of the affected structural parts, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Airbus Defence & 
Space (D&S) issued Alert Operator Transmissions (AOT) AOT-CN235-55-
0001 Revision 2 and AOT-C295-55-0001 Revision 2 to provide 
inspection instructions to detect misalignment between the elevator 
hinge fittings and the elevator brackets. Additionally, Airbus D&S 
issued AOT-CN235-55-0003 and AOT-C295-55-0003 to provide inspection 
instructions to detect cracking of elevator hinge fitting and 
attachment fitting.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [detailed] inspection of the elevator hinge fittings and the 
elevator brackets, repetitive [eddy current] inspections of elevator 
hinge fittings and attachment fittings, and depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) [e.g. repair(s)].

    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-
9521.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Defense and Space S.A. has issued the following Alert 
Operators Transmissions (AOT).
     Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0001, 
Revision 2, dated March 10, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for a detailed visual inspection of the elevator hinge 
fitting and bracket assembly to detect excessive play between bushings 
and their respective fitting housings, and to detect cracks; and 
corrective actions if necessary.
     Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0003, dated 
December 22, 2015. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive eddy current inspections to detect cracks in the elevator 
hinge fitting and bracket assembly, and corrective actions if 
necessary.
     Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-C295-55-0001, 
Revision 2, dated April 09, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for a detailed visual inspection of the elevator hinge 
fitting and bracket assembly to detect excessive play between bushings 
and their respective fitting housings, and to detect cracks; and 
corrective actions if necessary.
     Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-C295-55-0003, dated 
December 22, 2015. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive eddy current inspections to detect cracks in the elevator 
hinge fitting and bracket assembly, and corrective actions if 
necessary.
    These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models in different configurations. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    The MCAI allows credit for an inspection done in accordance with 
the following Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOTs, as applicable:
     AOT-CN235-55-0001, dated December 16, 2014, or
     AOT-C295-55-0001, dated December 16, 2014.

[[Page 1271]]

    This proposed AD does not give credit for accomplishing those 
initial issues of the service information because the inspection 
requirements are different from the initial issues of the service 
information in both Revision 1 and Revision 2 of Airbus Defense and 
Space AOT AOT-CN235-55-0001, and AOT AOT-C295-55-0001.
    Also, the MCAI identifies a date for Revision 1 of Airbus Defense 
and Space S.A. AOT AOT-C295-55-0001, which was corrected by Revision 2 
of the same service information. Paragraph (m), ``Credit for Previous 
Actions,'' of this proposed AD shows the correct date.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts                              Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost         cost       Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  2 work-hours x $85           $0  $170 per inspection    $2,380 per
                                     per hour = $170 per              cycle.                 inspection cycle.
                                     inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this 
repair:

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
            Action                Labor cost     Parts cost    product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair.......................  45 work-hours x      $10,000      $13,825
                                $85 per hour =
                                $3,825.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones 
Aeronauticas, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2016-9521; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-NM-061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 21, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(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 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of excessive play between 
bushings and their respective fitting housings at certain elevator 
fittings. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive play between 
bushings and their respective fitting housings, which could lead to 
failure or detachment of any of the affected structural parts, with 
a possible result of reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) One-Time Detailed Visual Inspection

    Before exceeding 600 flight hours since first flight of the 
airplane, or within 300 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, but not before exceeding 300 flight 
hours since first flight of the airplane: Do a detailed visual 
inspection of the elevator hinge fitting and bracket assembly to 
detect excessive play between bushings and their respective fitting 
housings, and to detect cracks, in accordance with the instructions 
of Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Alert Operators Transmission

[[Page 1272]]

(AOT) AOT-CN235-55-0001, Revision 2, dated March 10, 2015; or AOT 
AOT-C295-55-0001, Revision 2, dated April 9, 2015; as applicable.

(h) Corrective Action for Discrepancies Found During Detailed Visual 
Inspection

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any discrepancy is detected, as defined in the instructions of 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0001, Revision 2, 
dated March 10, 2015; or AOT AOT-C295-55-0001 Revision 2, dated 
April 9, 2015; as applicable: Before further flight, accomplish 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions 
of Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0001, Revision 2, 
dated March 10, 2015; or AOT AOT-C295-55-0001, Revision 2, dated 
April 9, 2015; as applicable. Where Airbus Defense and Space S.A. 
AOT AOT-CN235-55-0001, Revision 2, dated March 10, 2015; or AOT AOT-
C295-55-0001 Revision 2, dated April 9, 2015; specifies to contact 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. for corrective actions, before further 
flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.

(i) Repetitive Eddy Current Inspections--Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-
235-200, and CN-235-300 Airplanes

    For Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 
airplanes: Do the actions required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) 
of this AD.
    (1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 
to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Do an eddy current inspection to 
detect cracks in the elevator hinge fitting and bracket assembly, in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defense and Space S.A. 
AOT AOT-CN235-55-0003, dated December 22, 2015.

 Table 1 to Paragraph (i)(1) of This AD--Initial Compliance Times for Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and
                                              CN-235-300 Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN)        Elevator hinge    Compliance time for initial eddy current inspection
                                           fitting (part                  (whichever occurs later)
                                                    No.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSN001 through MSN154 inclusive......      35-31193-0201  Before exceeding 8,800 flight  Within 300 flight
                                           35-31193-0202   cycles since first flight of   cycles after the
                                                           the airplane; or before        effective date of this
                                                           exceeding the applicable       AD.
                                                           flight hours since first
                                                           flight of the airplane as
                                                           calculated in table 2 to
                                                           paragraph (i)(1) of this AD;
                                                           whichever occurs first.
MSN155 through MSN241 inclusive......      35-31193-0501  Before exceeding 3,600 flight  Within 300 flight
                                           35-31193-0502   cycles since first flight of   cycles after the
                                                           the airplane; or before        effective date of this
                                                           exceeding the applicable       AD.
                                                           flight hours since first
                                                           flight of the airplane as
                                                           calculated in table 2 to
                                                           paragraph (i)(1) of this AD;
                                                           whichever occurs first.
MSN242 through MSN999 inclusive......      35-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000 flight  Within 50 flight cycles
                                           35-31193-0504   cycles since first flight of   after the effective
                                                           the airplane; or before        date of this AD.
                                                           exceeding the applicable
                                                           flight hours since first
                                                           flight of the airplane as
                                                           calculated in table 2 to
                                                           paragraph (i)(1) of this AD;
                                                           whichever occurs first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Table 2 to Paragraph (i)(1) of This AD--Flight Cycles to Flight Hours
              Conversion Since First Flight of the Airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Civilian or        Flight cycles to
     CN-235 model/version         military type         flight hours
                                   certificate           conversion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CN-235 (Commercial              Civilian.........  Flight hours since
 Identification S10).                               first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-100....................  Civilian.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-200....................  Civilian.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.806.
CN-235-300....................  Civilian.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.861.
CN-235 (Commercial              Military.........  Flight hours since
 Identification S10M).                              first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-100M...................  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 2.222.
CN-235-200M...................  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 2.222.
CN-235-300M...................  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 2.167.
CN-235-100M/IR01..............  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 1.389.
CN-235-100M/EA02V.............  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 1.389.
CN-235-200M/CL02..............  Military.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 1.389.
CN-235/EA01F (Commercial        Military.........  Flight hours since
 Identification S10M).                              first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-300/SM01...............  Civilian.........  Flight hours since
                                                    first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 3.125.
CN-235-300M/CG01, -300M/GC01, - Military.........  Flight hours since
 300/MM01, -300/CL04.                               first flight of the
                                                    airplane = the
                                                    applicable flight
                                                    cycles from table 1
                                                    to paragraph (i)(1)
                                                    of this AD x 3.125.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 1273]]

    (2) Repeat the eddy current inspection specified in paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD thereafter within the applicable interval 
specified in table 3 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.

 Table 3 to Paragraph (i)(2) of This AD--Repetitive Inspection Intervals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Elevator        Compliance time for
  Manufacturer's serial No.        attachment         repetitive eddy
                                 fitting (P/N)      current inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSN001 through MSN154              35-31193-0201  Before exceeding 1,300
 inclusive.                        35-31193-0202   flight cycles since
                                                   the most recent
                                                   inspection; or before
                                                   exceeding the
                                                   applicable flight
                                                   hours since the most
                                                   recent inspection as
                                                   calculated in table 4
                                                   to paragraph (i)(2)
                                                   of this AD; whichever
                                                   occurs first.
MSN155 through MSN241              35-31193-0501  Before exceeding 1,000
 inclusive.                        35-31193-0502   flight cycles since
                                                   the most recent
                                                   inspection; or before
                                                   exceeding the
                                                   applicable flight
                                                   hours since the most
                                                   recent inspection as
                                                   calculated in table 4
                                                   to paragraph (i)(2)
                                                   of this AD; whichever
                                                   occurs first.
MSN242 through MSN999              35-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
 inclusive.                        35-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                   the most recent
                                                   inspection; or before
                                                   exceeding the
                                                   applicable flight
                                                   hours since the most
                                                   recent inspection as
                                                   calculated in table 4
                                                   to paragraph (i)(2)
                                                   of this AD; whichever
                                                   occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Table 4 to Paragraph (i)(2) of This AD--Flight Cycles to Flight Hours
                  Conversion for Repetitive Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Civilian or
     CN-235 model/version        military type   Flight cycles to flight
                                  certificate        hours conversion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CN-235 (Commercial             Civilian........  Flight hours since most
 Identification S10).                             recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-100...................  Civilian........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-200...................  Civilian........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.806.
CN-235-300...................  Civilian........  Flight hours since
                                                  first flight of the
                                                  airplane = the
                                                  applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.861.
CN-235 (Commercial             Military........  Flight hours since most
 Identification S10M).                            recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-100M..................  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 2.222.
CN-235-200M..................  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 2.222.
CN-235-300M..................  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 2.167.
CN-235-100M/IR01.............  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 1.389.
CN-235-100M/EA02V............  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 1.389.
CN-235-200M/CL02.............  Military........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 1.389.
CN-235/EA01F (Commercial       Military........  Flight hours since most
 Identification S10M).                            recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 0.861.
CN-235-300/SM01..............  Civilian........  Flight hours since most
                                                  recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 3.125.
CN-235-300M/CG01, -300M/GC01,  Military........  Flight hours since most
 -300/MM01, -300/CL04.                            recent inspection =
                                                  the applicable flight
                                                  cycles from table 3 to
                                                  paragraph (i)(2) of
                                                  this AD x 3.125.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(j) Repetitive Eddy Current Inspections--Model C-295 Airplanes

    For Model C-295 airplanes: Do the actions required by paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) At the later of the times specified in table 5 to paragraph 
(j)(1) of this AD: Do an eddy current inspection of the elevator 
hinge fitting and attachment fitting to detect cracks, in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-C295-
55-0003, dated December 22, 2015.

[[Page 1274]]

           Table 5 to Paragraph (j)(1) of This AD--Initial Compliance Times for Model C-295 Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Compliance time
                                                                             for initial eddy
                                  Manufacturer's    Elevator hinge fitting       current
      C-295 model/version         Serial  Number          (part no.)            inspection
                                      (MSN)                                 (whichever occurs
                                                                                  later)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C-295M/EA03(01-10), RJ01 (01-   MSN001 through               95-31193-0501  Since first        Within 300 flight
 02), PO01(01-08), AG01(01-      MSN030 inclusive.           95-31193-0502   flight of the      cycles after the
 06), BR01(01-03).                                                           airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 3,600    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 5,040
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M (from MSN 031).........  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,400
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M/FI01, FI02.............  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,000
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M/PG01...................  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,400
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M/PG02, PG03.............  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,900
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M/CH01...................  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,200
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295M/CH02, OM03.............  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,500
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
C-295MW.......................  MSN031 through               95-31193-0503  Since first        Within 50 flight
                                 MSN999 inclusive.           95-31193-0504   flight of the      cycles after the
                                                                             airplane: Before   effective date
                                                                             exceeding 1,000    of this AD.
                                                                             flight cycles;
                                                                             or before
                                                                             exceeding 1,400
                                                                             flight hours;
                                                                             whichever occurs
                                                                             first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Repeat the eddy current inspection specified in paragraph 
(j)(1) of this AD thereafter within the applicable interval 
specified in table 6 to paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.

        Table 6 to Paragraph (j)(2) of This AD--Repetitive Inspection Intervals for Model C-295 Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Compliance time for
         C-295 model/version            Manufacturer's Serial    Elevator hinge fitting  repetitive eddy current
                                             Number (MSN)              (part no.)              inspections
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C-295M/EA03(01-10), RJ01 (01-02),      MSN001 through MSN030              95-31193-0501  Before exceeding 1,000
 PO01(01-08), AG01(01-06), BR01(01-     inclusive.                        95-31193-0502   flight cycles since
 03).                                                                                     the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,400 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295M (from MSN 031)................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,400 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.

[[Page 1275]]

 
C-295M/FI01, FI02....................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,000 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295M/PG01..........................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,400 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295M/PG02, PG03....................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,900 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295M/CH01..........................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,200 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295M/CH02, OM03....................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,500 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
C-295MW..............................  MSN031 through MSN999              95-31193-0503  Before exceeding 1,000
                                        inclusive.                        95-31193-0504   flight cycles since
                                                                                          the most recent
                                                                                          inspection; or before
                                                                                          exceeding 1,400 flight
                                                                                          hours since the most
                                                                                          recent inspection;
                                                                                          whichever occurs
                                                                                          first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(k) Corrective Action for Discrepancies Found During Eddy Current 
Inspection

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), 
(j)(1), or (j)(2) of this AD, any crack is detected, as defined in 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0003, dated December 
22, 2015; or AOT AOT-C295-55-0003, dated December 22, 2015; as 
applicable: Before further flight, accomplish applicable corrective 
actions in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defense and 
Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0003, dated December 22, 2015; or AOT 
AOT-C295-55-0003, dated December 22, 2015; as applicable. Where 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT AOT-CN235-55-0003, dated December 
22, 2015; or AOT AOT-C295-55-0003, dated December 22, 2015; 
specifies to contact Airbus Defense and Space S.A. for corrective 
actions, before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this 
AD.

(l) Provision Regarding Terminating Action

    Accomplishing corrective actions, as required by paragraph (k) 
of this AD, does not constitute terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (i)(2) and (j)(2) of 
this AD, unless explicitly stated in the approved method of 
compliance for the corrective action.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Defense and Space S.A. AOT 
AOT-CN235-55-0001, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2015; or AOT AOT-C295-
55-0001, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2014.

(n) 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: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 
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: 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 EASA; or 
Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, 
the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0075, dated April 19, 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-2016-9521.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Defense and Space, Services/Engineering Support, Avenida de 
Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; fax +34 91 585 31 27; email 
MTA.TechnicalService@airbus.com. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 16, 2016.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31365 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P