Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19018 · Stabilizers
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
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.
We are adopting 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 AD was prompted by reports of excessive play between bushings and their respective fitting housings at certain elevator fittings. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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 (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.
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.
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.
| Manufacturer's Serial No. | Elevator hinge fitting | Compliance time for initial eddy current inspection | |
| (MSN) | (part No.) | (whichever occurs later) | |
| MSN001 through MSN154 inclusive | 35-31193-0201 35-31193-0202 | Before exceeding 8,800 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane; or before 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 | Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| MSN155 through MSN241 inclusive | 35-31193-0501 35-31193-0502 | Before exceeding 3,600 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane; or before 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 | Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| MSN242 through MSN999 inclusive | 35-31193-0503 35-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane; or before 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 | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| CN-235 Model/version | Civilian or military type certificate | Flight cycles to flight hours conversion |
|---|---|---|
| CN-235 (Commercial Identification S10) | Civilian | Flight hours since first flight of the airplane = the applicable flight cycles from table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD × 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 × 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 × 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 × 0.861. |
| CN-235 (Commercial Identification S10M) | Military | Flight hours since first flight of the airplane = the applicable flight cycles from table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 1.389. |
| CN-235/EA01F (Commercial Identification S10M) | Military | Flight hours since first flight of the airplane = the applicable flight cycles from table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD × 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 × 3.125. |
| CN-235 -300M/CG01, -300M/GC01, -300/MM01, -300/CL04 | Military | Flight hours since first flight of the airplane = the applicable flight cycles from table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD × 3.125. |
(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.
| Manufacturer's serial No. | Elevator attachment fitting (P/N) | Compliance time for repetitive eddy current inspections |
|---|---|---|
| MSN001 through MSN154 inclusive | 35-31193-0201 35-31193-0202 | Before exceeding 1,300 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 inclusive | 35-31193-0501 35-31193-0502 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 35-31193-0503 35-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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. |
| CN-235 Model/version | Civilian or military type certificate | Flight cycles to flight hours conversion |
|---|---|---|
| CN-235 (Commercial Identification S10) | Civilian | Flight hours since most recent inspection = the applicable flight cycles from table 3 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD × 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 × 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 × 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 × 0.861. |
| CN-235 (Commercial Identification S10M) | Military | Flight hours since most recent inspection = the applicable flight cycles from table 3 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 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 × 1.389. |
| CN-235/EA01F (Commercial Identification S10M) | Military | Flight hours since most recent inspection = the applicable flight cycles from table 3 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD × 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 × 3.125. |
| CN-235 -300M/CG01, -300M/GC01, -300/MM01, -300/CL04 | Military | Flight hours since most recent inspection = the applicable flight cycles from table 3 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD × 3.125. |
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.
| C-295 Model/Version | Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) | Elevator Hinge Fitting (Part Number) | Compliance time for initial eddy current inspection (whichever occurs later) | |
| C-295M/ EA03(01-10), RJ01 (01-02), PO01(01-08), AG01(01-06), BR01(01-03) | MSN001 through MSN030 inclusive | 95-31193-0501 95-31193-0502 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 3,600 flight cycles; or before exceeding 5,040 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M (from MSN 031) | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,400 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M/FI01, FI02 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,000 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M/PG01 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,400 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M/PG02, PG03 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,900 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M/CH01 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,200 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295M/CH02, OM03 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,500 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
| C-295MW | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Since first flight of the airplane: Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles; or before exceeding 1,400 flight hours; whichever occurs first | Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. |
(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.
| C-295 Model/version | Manufacturer's serial No. (MSN) | Elevator hinge fitting (part number) | Compliance time for repetitive eddy current inspections |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-295M/ EA03(01-10), RJ01 (01-02), PO01(01-08), AG01(01-06), BR01(01-03) | MSN001 through MSN030 inclusive | 95-31193-0501 95-31193-0502 | Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles since 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles since the most recent inspection; or before exceeding 1,400 flight hours since the most recent inspection; whichever occurs first. |
| C-295M/FI01, FI02 | MSN031 through MSN999 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 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 inclusive | 95-31193-0503 95-31193-0504 | Before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles since the most recent inspection; or before exceeding 1,400 flight hours since the most recent inspection; whichever occurs first. |
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.
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.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
