AD 2001-12-18 Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA), Model CN-235 Series Airplanes

Models named: CN-235 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model CN-235 series airplanes, serial numbers C001 to C074, 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 (c) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue of the engine control cables, leading to breakage of the engine control cables, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Modification (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD: Rig the power lever and condition lever control stops, in accordance with CASA COM 235-140, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000. Replacement (b) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace either the entire engine control cable assembly (part number 7-44728-12) with a new assembly or replace a segment of the control cable (part number 72830-20) with a new segment, in accordance with CASA COM 235-140, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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. Special Flight Permits (d) 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with CASA COM 235-140, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2000. 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 03/00, dated March 2000. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-15210 Filed 6-19-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P