AD 2000-05-28 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

Models named: BAe 146, Avro 146-RJ series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 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 (c) 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 detect and correct cracking or corrosion of the forward attachment bolts of the engine pylon to wing interface, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine pylon attachment, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Action (a) Within 4 years since date of manufacture, or within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, perform applicable inspections (dye penetrant, magnetic particle, and detailed visual) to detect discrepancies (including damage, cracking, and corrosion) of the forward attachment bolts of the engine pylon to wing interface on each engine, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.54-10, dated September 16, 1999. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, perform applicable corrective actions in accordance with the 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.” (b) Replacement of all bolts with new bolts in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.54-10, dated September 16, 1999, within the compliance time specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, is an acceptable alternative for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a), provided all installation methods (including retorquing the bolts at a lower level, and applying sealant to the bolts) specified in the service bulletin are followed. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.54-10, dated September 16, 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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 British airworthiness directive 006-09-99. (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 26, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2000. Franklin Tiangsing, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-6330 Filed 3-21-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P