AD 2021-06-08 Continues To Require Repetitive Inspections And Operational Checks Of The Affected Fuel Valves

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-19-25, which applied to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes; and Model C-295 airplanes.

AD 2017-19-25 required repetitive inspections and operational checks of the affected fuel valves, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD continues to require repetitive inspections and operational checks of the affected fuel valves, and corrective actions if necessary, and also limits the installation of affected parts to those that are maintained in accordance with certain instructions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a determination that it is necessary to limit the installation of affected parts specified in AD 2017-19-25 to those parts that are maintained in accordance with certain instructions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective May 10, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0212, dated August 27, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0212) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes; and Model C-295 airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-19-25, Amendment 39-19055 (82 FR 44895, September 27, 2017) (AD 2017-19-25). AD 2017-19-25 applied to all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes; and Model C-295 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2020 (85 FR 81851). The NPRM was prompted by leakage of a motorized cross-feed fuel valve and a determination that it is necessary to limit the installation of affected parts specified in AD 2017-19-25 to those parts that are maintained in accordance with certain instructions. The NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections and operational checks of the affected fuel valves, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0212. The NPRM also proposed to limit the installation of affected parts to those that are maintained in accordance with certain instructions, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0212.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address leaks in a motorized fuel valve, which could lead to failure of the fuel valve and consequent improper fuel system functioning or, in case of the presence of an ignition source, an airplane fire. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov