AD 2000-04-05 Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Astra SPX Series Airplanes

Models named: Astra SPX series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model Astra SPX 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 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent cracks in the lower scissors fitting and fitting attachment bolts of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in possible in-flight loss of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspections and Corrective Actions (a) Within 30 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the bolt holes in the lower scissors fitting of the horizontal stabilizer to measure the countersink angle, in accordance with Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-55A-192, Revision 1, dated June 1, 1999. (1) If the measured angle of countersink is within the limits specified in the alert service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the measured countersink angle is outside the limits specified in the alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection of the fitting attachment bolts in the lower scissors fitting of the horizontal stabilizer to detect concave bolt heads, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (i) If no bolt head is found to be concave, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight hours; and, within 250 flight hours after the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, rework all bolt holes and replace the existing bolts with new bolts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Such rework constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph. (ii) If any bolt head is found to be concave, prior to further flight, rework all bolt holes and replace the existing bolts with new bolts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-55A-192, Revision 1, dated June 1, 1999. 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 Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli airworthiness directive 55-99-04-02R2, dated August 4, 1999. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 29, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-3887 Filed 2-22-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U