Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain CASA Model CN-235 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time visual inspection to detect relative movement or deformation of the joint areas of the rear attaching supports and lower skin of the left and right outer flaps; repetitive borescopic inspections to detect cracking of the spar and of the rear internal support fittings of the outer flaps; and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the rear internal support fittings of the outer flap structure, which could result in failure of the outer flaps, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.