Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19389 · Doors
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus Defense and Space S.A. airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes.
(2) Model C-295 airplanes.
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 that cracks were found on the door mechanism actuator shaft assemblies of the nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assemblies having certain part numbers, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections for Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For the purpose of this AD, an affected NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly has part number (P/N) 35-42311-00 or P/N 95-42315-00, depending on airplane model.
(1) For any affected NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly: Before exceeding 600 flight hours accumulated by any NLG door mechanism lever or cam since new, or within 60 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, on the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly with the NLG actuator shaft installed, do a detailed inspection for cracking of all installed NLG door mechanism levers and cams, in accordance with the instructions in Airbus Defence and Space Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, depending on the findings or corrective actions completed, as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, after the previous inspection.
| Findings/Corrective action completed (after the previous inspection) | Interval (flight hours) |
|---|---|
| NLG door vibration observed (during previous flights) | 150 |
| No findings | 300 |
| Damaged components replaced | 300 |
| NLG door actuator shaft assembly replaced by new assembly | 600 |
(2) For any affected NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly: Before exceeding 1,800 flight hours accumulated by the NLG door shaft of the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly since new, or within 60 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a rototest or detailed inspection of the NLG door actuator shaft, in accordance with the instructions in Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable. Repeat the rototest or detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in figure 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, depending on the inspection method used during the most recent inspection.
| Inspection method | Interval (flight hours) |
|---|---|
| Rototest | 900 |
| Detailed | 600 |
(1) During any detailed inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if any crack with a length of 18 millimeters (mm) (0.709 inches) or more is found, or if there is more than one crack with a length of less than 18 mm (0.709 inch) found, before further flight, replace the cracked component, or replace the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly with a serviceable part, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable.
(2) During any detailed inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if a single crack with a length of less than 18 mm (0.709 inch) is found, within 5 flight cycles after the detailed inspection when the crack was found, replace any cracked component, or replace the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly with a serviceable part, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable.
(3) During any detailed or rototest inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if any crack is found, before further flight, replace the NLG door mechanism actuator shaft with a serviceable part, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Defence and Space AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable.
Accomplishment of any corrective action on an airplane, as required by paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable, is not terminating action for the repetitive detailed or rototest inspections required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, for that airplane.
For Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes: Modification of the NLG door latching mechanism, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Defence and Space Service Bulletin SB-235-32-0031C, dated September 22, 2016, is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, for that airplane.
As of the effective date of this AD, installation of an NLG door mechanism actuator shaft assembly having P/N 35-42311-00 or P/N 95-42315-00, or any of its components, is allowed, provided that the part is new; or provided that the assembly or the components, as applicable, has passed an inspection; in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Space and Defence AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; or AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; as applicable.
Although Airbus Space and Defence AOT AOT-CN235-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; and AOT AOT-C295-32-0001, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2016; both specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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.
