AD 97-21-14

97-21-14 CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.A. (CASA): Amendment 39-10167. Docket 96-NM-120-AD. Applicability: All Model C-212 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (b) 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the loss of hydraulic damping in the main landing gear, due to failure of the screw pins that hold the restrictor pistons on the slide tubes of the shock absorbers, and consequent structural damage to the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 600 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, conduct an inspection of each restrictor piston to detect the number and condition of installed threaded screw pins; in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin SB-212-32-38, dated June 16, 1994. Prior to further flight, replace any loose pin, in accordance with the service bulletin and accomplish the following, as applicable:

(1) For any piston on which three threaded screw pins are installed: No further action is required by this AD for this piston.

(2) For any piston on which one pin is installed and two holes are sealed with epoxy: Remove the epoxy, and install two additional threaded screw pins, in accordance withthe service bulletin. Thereafter, no further action is required by this AD for this piston.

(3) For any piston on which one pin is installed and no other holes exist:

(i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service until the modification required by paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this AD is accomplished.

(ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,800 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, or within 3 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify this piston in accordance with the service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this AD. Thereafter, no further action is required by this AD with regard to that piston.

(b) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(c) 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.

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin SB-212-32-38, dated June 16, 1994. 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 07/94, dated October 1994.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on November 24, 1997.