Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22894 · Stabilizers
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model CN-235, CN-235-200, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-18- 09, which applied to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes; and certain Model C- 295 airplanes. AD 2018-18-09 required a detailed inspection of the upper and lower lugs of each horizontal stabilizer-to-fuselage rear attachment fitting, repair if necessary, and a report of findings. This AD was prompted by reports of new occurrences of cracking. This AD requires repetitive inspections, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also revises the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0049, dated February 20, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0049).
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0049 specifies to do the initial inspection within certain compliance times, for this AD, accomplish the initial inspection at the time specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(i) At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0049.
(ii) Within 50 flight cycles or 50 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0049 specifies “thereafter, at intervals as defined in paragraph 3.1.1 of the AOT,” this AD requires replacing that text with “thereafter, at intervals not to exceed the intervals defined in paragraph 3.1.1 of the AOT.”
(3) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0049.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0049 specifies “If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, discrepancies are detected, as defined in the AOT, before next flight, contact Airbus DS for approved corrective action instructions and accomplish those instructions accordingly,” this AD requires replacing that text with “If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, the discrepancy must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.”
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0049 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
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.
