AD 2009-02-01 Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA), Model C-212-DF Airplanes

Models named: C-212-DF. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to CASA Model C-212-DF airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 444 through 477, except for those airplanes on which CASA Alert All Operator Letter AOL 212-010, Revision 2, dated March 17, 2005, has been done on both upper and lower fittings in both outer and center wings for both left-hand and right-hand sides of the airplane.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection (f) Within 10 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a high or low frequency eddy current inspection, as applicable, to determine the material used in the eight upper and lower fittings in both outer and center wings for both left-hand and right-hand sides of the airplane, in accordance with CASA Communication Letter COM 212-303, dated March 16, 2006. (1) If all fittings are verified to be made of 2024-T42 (L-3140-T42) alloy, no further action is required by this AD. (2) For any fitting verified to be made of 7050-T7451 (L-3767-T7451) alloy, before further flight, perform high or low frequency eddy current inspections, as applicable, for cracks on the eight upper and lower fittings in both outer and center wings for both left-hand and right-hand sides of the airplane, in accordance with CASA Communication Letter COM 212-301, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2006; and CASA Communication Letter COM 212-302, Revision 1, dated March 17, 2006. If any crack is detected, before further flight, replace the affected fitting using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Related Information (h) EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0359-E, dated November 29, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use the service information contained in Table 1 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS-CASA, Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), Integrated Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de Arago n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55 84; fax +34 91 585 55 05; e-mail MTA.TechnicalService@casa.eads.net; Internet http://www.eads.net. (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 1—Material Incorporated by Reference Service information Revision level Date CASA Communication Letter COM 212-301 1 March 4, 2006. CASA Communication Letter COM 212-302 1 March 17, 2006. CASA Communication Letter COM 212-303 Original March 16, 2006. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 2008. Linda Navarro, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-3261 Filed 2-19-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracks found in outer to center wing attachment fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks on the upper and lower fittings in both outer and center wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.