2024-24-04: Stabilizers

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-18-09, Amendment 39-19388 (83 FR 45041, September 5, 2018); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2024-24-04 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-22894; Docket No. FAA-2024-2134; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00125-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2018-18-09, Amendment 39-19388 (83 FR 45041, September 5, 2018) (AD 2018-18-09). (c) Applicability 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. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that cracks were found on the horizontal stabilizer-to-fuselage rear attachment fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the lugs on the horizontal stabilizer-to-fuselage rear attachment fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in lug or fitting failure, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements 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). (h) Exceptions to 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." (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0049 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Additional AD Provisions 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. (k) Additional Information 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. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0049, dated February 20, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2024-0049, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on November 21, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-28787 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P