AD 2002-01-08 Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy Airplanes

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

Model Galaxy airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 through 051 inclusive. 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 a short circuit between the baggage compartment heating blankets and the electrical connectors, which could result in fire and smoke in the baggage compartment, accomplish the following: Disabling the Baggage Compartment Heating Blanket System (a) Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, disable the baggage compartment heating blanket system by performing the actions in the remaining subparagraphs of paragraph (a) of this AD. (1) Gain access to the left and right aft contactor boxes via access panels 151CL on the central fuselage and 162BR on the aft fuselage. Note 2: The exact location of the access panels is identified in the GALAXY Maintenance Manual, Chapter 12-00-00. (2) Open circuit breakers 17H and 19H (left box) and 16H, 18H, and 372H (right box). Secure the circuit breakers in the open position by installing tie wraps around their necks. (3) Verify that the HEAT—BAGGAGE COMPRT switch on the right side of the overhead panel does not activate the blankets (ammeter check). (4) Label the switch “INOP.” Note 3: Disabling the baggage compartment heating blanket system in accordance with Galaxy (Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-25A-109, dated December 18, 2001, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 4: 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 Permit Prohibition (c) Special flight permits may NOT 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. Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli emergency airworthiness directive 25-01-12-17, dated December 18, 2001. Effective Date (d) This amendment becomes effective on January 30, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 7, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-799 Filed 1-14-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U